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JOURNAL 



LIFE, GOSPEL LABOURS, AND CHRISTIAN 
EXPERIENCES, 



FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, 



JOHN WOOLMAN, 



MOUNT HOLLY, TjY THE PROVINCE OF NEW JERSEY. 



The work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteous- 
ness, quietness and assurance for ever. — Isaiah xxxii. 17. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PUBLISHED BY T. E. CHAPMAN, No. 45 CHERRY ST. 

J. Richards, Printer, No. 129 North Third St. 

1837. 



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TO THE READER. 

Divers errors and inaccuracies having occurred in former editions 
of the Journal and Works of John Woolman, care has been taken in 
this to have them corrected. The whole of the Journal and most of 
the essays have been carefully collated with the original manuscripts, 
the omissions supplied, and the mistakes rectified. In a very few 
cases, some verbal changes of words and phrases have been made, 
and the paragraphs differently divided, without altering the mean- 
ing — but the principal object has been to publish a correct copy of 
the valuable writings and views of this deeply exercised, enlightened, 
and devoted servant of God. 



THE TESTIMONY 

Of Friends in Yorkshire, at their Quarterly Meeting held at York, the 
2-ith and 25th of the 3rd month, 1773, concerning 

JOHN WOOLMAN, 

Of Mount Holly, in the province of New Jersey, in America; who de- 
parted this life at the house of our friend Thomas Priestman, in the 
suburbs of this city, on the 7th of the 10th month, 1772, and was 
interred in the burying ground of Friends the 9th of the same, aged 
about fifty -two years. 

This our valuable friend having been under a re- 
ligious engagement for some time, to visit Friends in 
this nation, and more especially us in the northern 
parts, undertook the same in full concurrence and near 
Sympathy with his friends and brethren at home; as 
appeared by certificates from the monthly and Quar- 
terly meetings to which he belonged, and from the 
spring meeting of ministers and elders, held at Phila- 
delphia, for Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

He arrived in the city of London at the beginning 
of the last Yearly Meeting; and after attending that 
meeting travelled northward, visiting the Quarterly 
meetings of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, North- 
amptonshire, Oxfordshire and Worcestershire, and 
divers particular meetings in his way. 

He visited many meetings on the west side of this 
county, also some in Lancashire and Westmoreland; 
from whence he came to our Quarterly meeting in 
the last 9th month, and though much out of health, 
yet was enabled to attend all the sittings of that meet- 
ing, except the last. 

His disorder then, which proved to be the small- 
pox, increased speedily upon him, and was very af- 
flicting; under which he was supported in much meek- 
ness, patience, and christian fortitude. To those who 
attended him in his illness, his mind appeared to be 



4 TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

centred in Divine love; under the precious influence 
whereof, we believe he finished his course, and enter- 
ed into the mansions of everlasting rest. 

In the early part of his illness he requested a friend 
to write, and he broke forth thus: 

"0 Lord my God! the amazing horrors of dark- 
ness were gathered around me, and covered me all 
over, and I saw no way to go forth. I felt the mis- 
ery of my fellow-creatures, separated from the Divine 
harmony, and it was heavier than I could bear, and I 
was crushed down under it: I lifted up my hand, and 
stretched out my arm; but there was none to help me: 
I looked round about and was amazed. In the depths 
of misery, Lord! I remembered that thou art om- 
nipotent, — that I had called thee father;— and I felt 
that I loved thee; and I was made quiet in thy will; 
and I waited for deliverance from thee; thou hadst 
pity upon me, when no man could help me. I saw 
that meekness under suffering was showed to us in 
the most affecting example of thy son, and thou wast 
teaching me to follow him; and I said, thy will, 
Father, be done." 

Many more of his weighty expressions might have 
been inserted here, but it was deemed unnecessary, 
-they being already published in print. 

He was a man endued with a large natural capaci- 
ty; and being obedient to the manifestations of Divine 
grace, having in patience and humility endured many 
deep baptisms, he became thereby sanctified and fitted 
for the Lord's work, and was truly serviceable in his 
church. Dwelling in awful fear and watchfulness, he 
was careful in his public appearances to feel the put- 
ting forth of the Divine hand; so that the spring of 
the gospel ministry often flowed through him with 
great sweetness and purity, as a refreshing stream to 
the weary travellers towards the city of God. Skil- 
ful in dividing the word, he was furnished by Him in 
whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and know- 
ledge, to communicate freely to the several states of 
the people where his lot was cast. His conduct at 



•?*/ 



JOHN WOOLMAN. 



other times was seasoned with the like watchful cir- 
cumspection and attention to the guidance of Divine 
wisdom; which rendered his whole conversation uni- 
formly edifying. 

He was fully persuaded, that as the life of Christ 
;omes to reign in the earth, all abuse and unnecessary 
oppression, both of the human and brute creation, will 
come to an end: but under the sense of a deep revolt, 
and an overflowing stream of unrighteousness, his life 
has been often a life of mourning. 

He was deeply concerned on account of that inhu- 
man and iniquitous practice of making slaves of the 
people of Africa, or holding them in that state; and 
on that account we understand he hath not only wrote 
some books, but travelled much on the continent of 
America, in order to make the negro-masters (especi- 
ally those in profession with us) sensible of the evil 
of such a practice. And though in this journey to 
England, he was far removed from the outward sight 
of their sufferings, yet his deep exercise of mind re- 
mained; as appears by a short treatise he wrote in this 
journey, and his frequent concern to open the miser- 
able state of this deeply injured people. His testimo- 
ny, in the last meeting he attended, was on this sub- 
ject; wherein he remarked, that as we, as a society, 
when under outward sufferings, had often found it 
our concern to lay them before those in authority, and 
thereby in the Lord's time, had obtained relief; so he 
recommended this oppressed part of the creation to 
our notice, that we may, as way may open, represent 

heir sufferings in an individual, if not in a society 

opacity to those in authority. 
Deeply sensible that the desire to gratify people's 

lclinations in luxury and superfluities, is the princi- 
pal ground of oppression, and the occasion of many 
unnecessary wants, he believed it to be his duty to 
' f» a pattern of great self-denial^ with respect to the 
tnings of this life; and earnestly to labour with Friends 
in the meekness of wisdom, to impress on their minds 
the great importance of our testimony in these things;. 
I* 



6 TESTIMONY CONCERNING J, WOOLMAN. 

recommending to the guidance of the blessed Truth 
in this and all other concerns, and cautioning such as 
are experienced therein, against contenting themselves 
with acting up to the standard of others, but to be 
careful to make the standard of Truth manifested to 
them, the measure of their obedience: "For," said he, 
"that purity of life which proceeds from faithfulness 
in following the spirit of Truth, that state where our 
minds are devoted to serve God, and all our wants 
are bounded by his wisdom; this habitation has often 
been opened before me as a place of retirement for 
the children of the light, where they may stand sepa- 
rated from that which disordereth and confuseth the 
affairs of society, and where we may have a testimo- 
ny of our innocence in the hearts of those who behold 
us." 

We conclude, with fervent desires, that we as a 
people may thus, by our example, promote the Lord's 
work in the earth; and our hearts being prepared, 
may unite in prayer to the great Lord of the harvest, 
that as in his infinite wisdom he hath greatly stripped 
the church, by removing of late divers faithful min- 
isters and elders, he may be pleased to send forth, 
many more faithful labourers into his harvest. 

Signed in, by order, and on behalf of said meeting. 

Thomas Bennett, Samuel Briscoe, 

John Storr, John Turner, 

Joseph Eglin, Joshua Robinson, 

Thomas Perkinson, Thomas Priestman^ 

Joseph Wright, and divers other Friends. 



A TESTIMONY 

Of the Monthly Meeting of Friends, held in Burlington, the 1st day 

of the 8th month, in the year of our Lord 1774, concerning 

our esteemed friend 

JOHN WOOLMAN, DECEASED. 

He was born in Northampton, in the county of 
Burlington, and province of West New Jersey, in 
the 8th month, 1720, of religious parents; who in- 
structed him very early in the principles of the chris- 
tian religion, as professed by the people called Qua- 
kers; which he esteemed a blessing to him, even in 
his young years, tending to preserve him from the 
infection of wicked children. But through the work- 
ings of the enemy, and the levity incident to youth, 
he frequently deviated from those parental precepts; 
by which he laid a renewed foundation for repentance, 
that was finally succeeded by a godly sorrow not to 
be repented of; and so he became acquainted with 
that sanctifying power which qualifies for true gos- 
pel ministry, into which he was called about the 
twenty-second year of his age; and by a faithful use 
of the talents committed to him, he experienced an 
increase, until he arrived at the state of a father capa- 
ble of dividing the word aright to the different states 
he ministered unto;, dispensing milk to babes, and 
meat to those of riper years. Thus he found the effi- 
cacy of that power to arise, which, according to his 
own expressions, "prepares the creature to stand like 
a trumpet, through which the Lord speaks to his peo- 
ple." He was a loving husband, a tender father, and 
very humane to every part of the creation under his 
care. 

His concern for the poor and those in affliction, 
was evident by his visits to them; whom he frequent- 
ly relieved by his assistance and charity. He was 



8 TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

for many years deeply exercised on account of the 
poor enslaved Africans, whose cause, as he sometimes 
mentioned, lay almost continually upon him; and to 
obtain liberty to those captives, he laboured both in- 
public and private, and was favoured to see his endea- 
vours crowned with considerable success. He was 
particularly desirous that Friends should not be in- 
strumental to lay burdens on this oppressed people, 
but remember the days of suffering from which they 
had been providentially delivered; that if times of 
trouble should return, no injustice dealt to those in 
slavery might rise in judgment against us; but, being 
clear, we might on such occasions address the Al- 
mighty with a degree of confidence, for his interpo- 
sition and relief: being particularly careful as to him- 
self, not to countenance slavery, even by the use of 
those conveniencies of life which were furnished by 
their labour. 

He was desirous to have his own, and the minds of 
others, redeemed from the pleasures and immoderate 
profits of this world, and to fix them on those joys 
which fade not away; his principal care being after a 
life of purity, endeavouring to avoid not only the 
grosser pollutions, but those also which appearing in a 
more refined dress, are not sufficiently guarded against 
by some well disposed people. In the latter part of 
his life, he was remarkable for the plainness and sim- 
plicity of his dress, and as much as possible, avoided 
the use of plate, costly furniture, and feasting; there- 
by endeavouring to become an example of temper- 
ance and self-denial, which he believed himself call- 
ed unto; and was favoured with peace therein, altho' 
it carried the appearance of great austerity in the view 
of some. He was very moderate in his charges in the 
way of business, and in his desires after gain; and tho r 
a man of industry, avoided, and strove much to lead 
others out of extreme labour and anxiousness after per- 
ishable things; being desirous that the strength of our 
bodies might not be spent in procuring things unprofi- 
table, and that we might use moderation and kindness 



JOHN WOOLMAN. 9 

to the brute animals under our care, to prize the use 
of them as a great favour, and by no means abuse 
them; that the gifts of Providence should be thank- 
fully received and applied to the uses they were de- 
signed. 

He several times opened a school at Mount Holly 
for the instruction of poor Friends' children and others, 
being concerned for their help and improvement 
therein. His love and care for the rising youth among 
us was truly great, recommending to parents and those 
who have the charge of them, to choose conscientious 
and pious tutors; saying, "It is a lovely sight to be- 
hold innocent children," and that "to labour for their 
help against that which would mar the beauty of their 
minds, is a debt we owe them." 

His ministry was sound, very deep and penetrating; 
sometimes pointing out the dangerous situation which 
indulgence and custom leads into; frequently exhort- 
ing others, especially the youth, not to be discouraged 
at the difficulties which occur, but press after purity. 
He often expressed an earnest engagement that pure 
wisdom should be attended to, which would lead into 
lowliness of mind, and resignation to the Divine will; 
in which state small possessions here would be suffi- 
cient. 

In transacting the affairs of discipline, his judgment; 
was sound and clear, and he was very useful in treat- 
ing with those who had done amiss; he visited such 
in a private way in that plainness which Truth dic- 
tates, showing great tenderness and christian forbear- 
ance. He was a constant attender of our Yearly Meet- 
ing, in which he was a good example, and particular- 
ly useful; assisting in the business thereof with great 
weight and attention. He several times visited most 
of the meetings of Friends in this and the neighbour- 
ing provinces, with the concurrence of the monthly 
meeting to which he belonged, and we have reason to 
believe had good service therein, generally or always 
expressing at his return how it had fared with him, 
and the evidence of peace in his mind for thus perfor- 



10 TESTIMONY CONCERNING 

ming his duty. He was often concerned with other 
Friends in the important service of visiting families, 
which he was enabled to go through to satisfaction. 

In the minutes of the meeting of ministers and el- 
ders for this Quarter, at the foot of a list of the mem- 
bers of that meeting, made about five years before his 
death, we find in his hand writing the following ob- 
servation and reflections: "As looking over the mi- 
nutes made by persons who have put off this body, 
hath sometimes revived in me a thought how ages 
pass away; so this list may probably revive a like 
thought in some, when I and the rest of the persons 
above named, are centred in another state of being. 
The Lord, who was the guide of my youth, hath in 
tender mercies helped me hitherto; he hath healed 
me of wounds, he hath helped me out of grievous en- 
tanglements; he remains to be the strength of my life; 
to whom I desire to devote myself in time, and in 
eternity." Signed, John Woolman. 

In the 12th month, 1771, he acquainted this meet- 
ing that he found his mind drawn towards a religious 
visit to Friends in some parts of England, particular- 
ly in Yorkshire. In the 1st month, 1772, he obtain- 
ed our certificate; which was approved and endorsed 
by our Quarterly meeting, and by the Half-year's 
meeting of ministers and elders at Philadelphia. He 
embarked on his voyage in the 5th, and arrived in 
London in the 6th month following, at the time of 
their annual meeting in that city. During his short 
visit to Friends in that kingdom, we are informed 
that his services were acceptable and edifying. In 
his last illness he uttered many lively and comfort- 
able expressions, being perfectly resigned, having no 
will either to live or die; as appears by the testimony 
of Friends at York in Great Britain, in the suburbs 
whereof, at the house of our friend Thomas Priestman, 
he died of the small-pox, on the 7th day of the 10th 
month, 1772; and was buried in Friends' burying 
ground in that city, on the 9th of the same, after a 
large and solid meeting held on the occasion, at their 



JOHN WOOLMAN. 11 

great meeting house; aged near fifty-two years; a min- 
ister upwards of thirty years; during which time he 
belonged to Mount Holly particular meeting, which 
he diligently attended when at home and in health of 
body; and his labours of love, and pious care for the 
prosperity of Friends in the blessed Truth, we hope 
may not be forgotten, but that his good works may be 
remembered to edification. 

Signed in, and by order of the said meeting, by 

Samuel Allinson, Clerk. 

Read and approved at our Quarterly meeting, held 
at Burlington, the 29th of the 8th month, 1774. 

Signed by order of said meeting. 

Daniel Smith, Clerk. 



JOURNAL. 



CHAPTER I. 

His birth and parentage; with some account of the operations of Divine 
grace on his mind in youth — His first appearance in the ministry — 
And his considerations, while young, on the keeping of slaves. 

I have often felt a motion of love to leave some 
hints in writing of my experience of the goodness of 
God: and now, in the thirty-sixth year of my age, I 
begin this work. 

I was born in Northampton, Burlington county, 
West Jersey, in the year 1720; and before I was seven 
years old, I began to be acquainted with the opera- 
tions of Divine love. Through the care of my parents, 
I was taught to read near as soon as I was capable 
of it: and as I went from school one seventh-day, I 
remember, while my companions went to play by the 
way, I went forward out of sight, and sitting down, 
I read the 22nd chapter of the Revelations. "He 
showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crys- 
tal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the 
Lamb/ 5 &c. and in reading it, my mind was drawn 
to seek after that pure habitation, which I then be- 
lieved God had prepared for his servants. The place 
where I sat, and the sweetness that attended my mind, 
remain fresh in my memory. 

This, and the like gracious visitations, had that 
effect upon me, that when boys used ill language, it 
troubled me; and, through the continued mercies of 
God, I was preserved from it. The pious instruc- 
tions of my parents were often fresh in my mind 
when I happened to be among wicked children, and 
were of use to me. 



14 john woolman's journal. 

My parents having a large family of children, used 
frequently, on first-days after meeting, to put us to 
read in the holy scriptures, or some religious books, 
one after another, the rest sitting by without much 
conversation; which I have since often thought was 
a good practice. From what I had read and heard, I 
believed there had been in past ages, people who 
walked in uprightness before God in a degree exceed- 
ing any that I knew, or heard of, now living: and 
the apprehension of their being less steadiness and 
firmness amongst people in this age than in past ages, 
often troubled me while I was a child. 

A thing remarkable in my childhood was, that 
once as I went to a neighbour's house, I saw, on the 
way, a robbin sitting on her nest, and as I came near 
she went off, but having young ones, flew about, and 
with many cries expressed her concern for them. I 
stood and threw stones at her, till one striking her, 
she fell down dead. At first I was pleased with the 
exploit; but after a few minutes was seized with hor- 
ror, as having in a sportive way, killed an innocent 
creature while she was careful for her young. I be- 
held her lying dead, and thought those young ones 
for which she was so careful, must now perish for 
want of their dam to nourish them; and after some 
painful considerations on the subject, I climbed up the 
tree, took all the young birds, and killed them; sup- 
posing that better than to leave them to pine away 
and die miserably: and believed in this case, that 
scripture proverb was fulfilled, " The tender mercies 
of the wicked are cruel.'' I then went on my errand, 
but, for some hours, could think of little else but the 
cruelties I had committed, and was much troubled. 

Thus He whose tender mercies are over all his 
works, hath placed a principle in the human mind 
which incites to exercise goodness towards every liv- 
ing creature; and this being singly attended to, peo- 
ple become tender-hearted and sympathizing; but 
being frequently and totally rejected, the mind be- 
comes shut up in a contrary disposition. 



JOHN VVOOLMAN'S JOURNAL. 15 

About the twelfth year of my age, my father being 
abroad, my mother reproved me for some misconduct, 
to which I made an undutiful reply; and the next 
first-day, as I was with my father returning from 
meeting, he told me he understood I had behaved 
amiss to my mother, and advised me to be more care- 
ful in future. I knew myself blameable, and in shame 
and confusion remained silent. Being thus awaken- 
ed to a sense of my wickedness, I felt remorse in my 
mind; and getting home, I retired and prayed to the 
Lord to forgive me; and do not remember that I ever 
after that, spoke unhandsomely to either of my pa- 
rents, however foolish in some other things. 

Having attained the age of sixteen years, I began 
to love wanton company: and though I was preserved 
from profane language and scandalous conduct, still I 
perceived a plant in me which produced much wild 
grapes. Yet my merciful Father forsook me not ut- 
terly, but at times, through his grace, I was brought 
seriously to consider my ways; and the sight of my 
backslidings affected me with sorrow: but for want of 
rightly attending to the reproofs of instruction, vanity 
was added to vanity, and repentance to repentance: 
upon the whole, my mind was. more and more alien- 
ated from the Truth, and I hastened towards destruc- 
tion. While I meditate on the gulf towards which 
I travelled, and reflect on my youthful disobedience, 
for these things I weep, mine eye runneth down with 
water. 

Advancing in age, the number of my acquaintance 
increased, and thereby my way grew more difficult. 
Though I had heretofore found comfort in reading 
the holy scriptures, and thinking on heavenly things, 
I was now estranged therefrom. I knew I was going 
from the flock of Christ, and had no resolution to re- 
turn; hence serious reflections were uneasy to me, and 
youthful vanities and diversions my greatest pleasure. 
Running in this road I found many like myself; and 
we associated in that which is reverse to true friend- 
ship. 



16 JOHN woolman's journal. 

But in this swift race it pleased God to visit me 
with sickness, so that I doubted of recovering: and 
then did darkness, horror and amazement, with full 
force, seize me, even when my pain and distress of 
body was very great. I thought it would have been 
better for me never to have had a being, than to see 
the day which I now saw. I was filled with confu- 
sion; and in great affliction, both of mind and body, 
I lay and bewailed myself. I had no confidence to 
lift up my cries to God, whom I had thus offended; 
but, in a deep sense of my great folly, I was humbled 
before him: and at length, that Word which is as a 
fire and a hammer, broke and dissolved my rebellious 
heart, and then my cries were put up in contrition; 
and in the multitude of his mercies I found inward 
relief, and felt a close engagement, that if he was plea- 
sed to restore my health, I might walk humbly before 
him. 

After my recovery, this exercise remained with me 
a considerable time; but, by degrees, giving way to 
youthful vanities, they gained strength, and getting 
with wanton young people I lost ground. The Lord 
had been very gracious, and spoke peace to me in the 
time of my distress, and I now most ungratefully turn- 
ed again to folly; on which account, at times, I felt 
sharp reproof, but did not get low enough to cry for 
help. I was not so hardy as to commit things scan- 
dalous; but to exceed in vanity, and promote mirth, 
was my chief study. Still I retained a love and es- 
teem for pious people; and their company brought an 
awe upon me. My dear parents, several times, ad- 
monished me in the fear of the Lord, and their admo- 
nition entered into my heart, and had a good effect 
for a season; but not getting deep enough to pray 
rightly, the tempter when he came found entrance. I 
remember, once having spent a part of the day in wan- 
tonness, as I went to bed at night, there lay in a win- 
dow near my bed, a bible, which I opened, and first 
cast my eye on the text, "we lie down in our shame, 
and our confusion covers us." This I knew to be 



john woolman's journal. 17 

my case; and meeting with so unexpected a reproof, 
I was somewhat affected with it, and went to bed un- 
der remorse of conscience; which I soon cast off again. 

Thus time passed on: my heart was replenished 
with mirth and wantonness, while pleasing scenes of 
vanity were presented to my imagination, — till I at- 
tained the age of eighteen years; near which time I 
felt the judgments of God in my soul, like a consuming 
fire; and looking over my past life, the prospect was 
moving. I was often sad, and longed to be delivered 
from those vanities; then again my heart was strong- 
ly inclined to them, and there was in me a sore con- 
flict: at times I turned to folly; and then again sor- 
row and confusion took hold of me. In a while, I 
resolved totally to leave off some of my vanities; but 
there was a secret reserve in my heart, of the more 
refined part of them, and I was not low enough to find 
true peace. Thus for some months, I had great trou- 
bles; there remaining in mean unsubjected will, which 
rendered my labours fruitless: till at length, through 
the merciful continuance of heavenly visitations, I 
was made to bow down in spirit before the Lord. I 
remember one evening I had spent some time in read- 
ing a pious author; and walking out alone, I humbly 
prayed to the Lord for his help, that I might be deli- 
vered from all those vanities which so ensnared me. 
Thus being brought low, he helped me; and as I learn- 
ed to bear the cross, I felt refreshment to come from 
his presence: but not keeping in that strength which 
gave victory, I lost ground again; the sense of which 
greatly afflicted me: and I sought deserts and lonely 
places, and there with tears did confess my sins to 
God, and humbly craved help of him. And I may 
say with reverence, he was near to me in my troubles, 
and in those times of humiliation opened my ear to 
discipline. 

I was now lead to look seriously at the means by 

which I was drawn from the pure Truth, and learned 

this, that if I would live in the life which the faithful 

servants of God lived in, I must not go into company 

2* 



18 JOHN woolman's journal. 

as heretofore in my own will; but all the cravings of 
sense must be governed by a Divine principle. In 
times of sorrow and abasement, these instructions 
were sealed upon me, and I felt the power of Christ 
prevail over selfish desires, so that I was preserved in 
a good degree of steadiness; and being young, and be- 
lieving at that time, that a single life was best for me, 
I was strengthened to keep from such company as had 
often been a snare to me. 

I kept steadily to meetings; spent first-days after- 
noon chiefly in reading the scriptures and other good 
books; and was early convinced in my mind, that 
true religion consisted in an inward life, wherein the 
heart doth love and reverence God the Creator, and 
learns to exercise true justice and goodness, not only 
toward all men, but also toward the brute creatures — 
that as the mind was moved by an inward principle, 
to love God as an invisible, incomprehensible Being; 
by the same principle it was moved to love him in 
all his manifestations in the visible world — that, as by 
his breath, the flame of life was kindled in all animal 
sensible creatures, to say we love God as unseen, and 
at the same time, exercise cruelty toward the least 
creature moving by his life, or by life derived from 
him, was a contradiction in itself. 

I found no narrowness respecting sects and opi- 
nions; but believed, that sincere upright-hearted peo- 
ple, in every society, who truly love God, were ac- 
cepted of him. 

As I lived under the cross, and simply followed 
the openings of Truth, my mind, from day to day, 
was more enlightened; my former acquaintances were 
left to judge of me as they would, for I found it 
safest for me to live in private and keep these things 
sealed up in my own breast. While I silently ponder 
on that change which was wrought in me, I find no 
language equal to it, nor any means to convey to an- 
other a clear idea of it. I looked upon the works of 
God in this visible creation, and an awfulness cover- 
ed me: my heart was tender and often contrite, and 



john woolman's journal. 19 

universal love to my fellow-creatures increased in me. 
This will be understood by such who have trodden 
in the same path. 

Some glances of real beauty may be seen in their 
faces, who dwell in true meekness. There is a har- 
mony in the sound of that voice to which Divine love 
gives utterance, and some appearance of right order 
in their temper and conduct, whose passions are re- 
gulated; yet all these do not fully show forth that in- 
ward life to such who have not felt it; but this white 
stone and new name is known rightly to such only 
who have it. 

Now though I had been thus strengthened to bear 
the cross, I still found myself in great danger, having 
many weaknesses attending me, and strong tempta- 
tions to wrestle with; in the feeling whereof I fre- 
quently withdrew into private places, and often with 
tears besought the Lord to help me, whose gracious 
ear was opened to my cry. 

All this time I lived with my parents, and wrought 
on the plantation; and having had schooling pretty 
well for a planter, I used to improve it in winter 
evenings, and other leisure times; and being now in 
the twenty-first year of my age, a man, in much busi- 
ness at shop-keeping and baking, asked me if I would 
hire with him to tend shop and keep books. I ac- 
quainted my father with the proposal; and, after some 
deliberation, it was agreed for me to go. 

At home I had lived retired; and now having a 
prospect of being much in the way of company, I felt 
frequent and fervent cries in my heart to God, the 
father of mercies, that he would preserve me from 
all taint and corruption; that, in this more public em- 
ployment, I might serve Him my gracious Redeemer, 
in that humility and self-denial with which I had been, 
in a small degree, exercised in a more private life. — 
The man who employed me, furnished a shop in 
Mount Holly, about five miles from my father's house 
and six from his own; and there I lived alone, and 
tended his shop. Shortly after my settlement here, 



20 JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 

I was visited by several young people, my former 
acquaintances, who knew not but vanities would be 
as agreeable to me now as ever; and at these times, I 
cried to the Lord in secret for wisdom and strength; 
for I felt myself encompassed with difficulties, and 
had fresh occasion to bewail the follies of time past, 
in contracting a familiarity with libertine people. — 
And as I had now left my father's house outwardly, 
I found my heavenly Father to be merciful to me be- 
yond what I can express. 

By day I was much among people, and had many 
trials to go through; but in the evenings I was most- 
ly alone, and may with thankfulness acknowledge, 
that in those times the spirit of supplication was often 
poured upon me; under which I was frequently exer- 
cised, and felt my strength renewed. 

In a few months after I came here, my master 
bought several Scotch men-servants, from on board a 
vessel, and brought them to Mount Holly to sell; one 
of which was taken sick, and died. In the latter part 
of his sickness, he, being delirious, used to curse and 
swear most sorrowfully; and the next night after his 
burial, I was left to sleep alone in the same chamber 
where he died. I perceived in me a timorousness: 
I knew, however, that I had not injured the man, but 
assisted in taking care of him according to my capa- 
city; and was not free to ask any one, on that occa- 
sion, to sleep with me. Nature was feeble; but every 
trial was a fresh incitement to give myself up wholly 
to the service of God; for I found no helper like him 
in times of trouble. 

After a while, my former acquaintances gave over 
expecting me as one of their company; and I began 
to be known to some whose conversation was helpful 
to me. And now, as I had experienced the love of 
God, through Jesus Christ, to redeem me from many 
pollutions, and to be a succour to me through a sea of 
conflicts, with which no person was fully acquainted; 
and as my heart was often enlarged in this heavenly 
principle, I felt a tender compassion for the youth 



john woolman's journal. 21 

who remained entangled in snares like those which 
had entangled me. From one time to another, this 
love and tenderness increased; and my mind was more 
strongly engaged for the good of my fellow-creatures. 
I went to meetings in an awful frame of mind, and 
endeavoured to be inwardly acquainted with the lan- 
guage of the true Shepherd: and one day, being under 
a strong exercise of spirit, I stood up, and said some 
words in a meeting; but not keeping close to the Di- 
vine opening, I said more than was required of me; 
and being soon sensible of my error, I was afflicted 
in mind some weeks, without any light or comfort, 
even to that degree that I could not take satisfaction 
in any thing. I remembered God, and was troubled; 
and, in the depth of my distress, he had pity upon 
me, and sent the Comforter. I then felt forgiveness 
for my offence, and my mind became calm and quiet, 
being truly thankful to my gracious Redeemer for his 
mercies. And after this, feeling the spring of Divine 
love opened, and a concern to speak, I said a few 
words in a meeting, in which I found peace; this, I 
believe, was about six weeks from the first time. — 
And as I was thus humbled and disciplined under 
the cross, my understanding became more strength- 
ened to distinguish the language of the pure spirit 
which inwardly moves upon the heart, and taught me 
to wait in silence sometimes many weeks together, 
until I felt that rise which prepares the creature to 
stand like a trumpet, through which the Lord speaks 
to his flock. 

From an inward purifying, and steadfast abiding 
under it, springs a lively operative desire for the 
good of others. All the faithful are not called to the 
public ministry; but whoever are called to it, are 
called to minister of that which they have tasted and 
handled spiritually. The outward modes of worship 
are various; but wherever any are true ministers of 
Jesus Christ, it is from the operation of his spirit up- 
on their hearts, first purifying them, and thus giving 
them a just sense of the conditions of others. 



22 JOHN woolman's journal. 

This truth was early fixed in my mind: and I was 
taught to watch the pure opening, and to take heed, 
lest, while I was standing to speak, my own will 
should get uppermost, and cause me to utter words 
from worldly wisdom, and depart from the channel 
of the true gospel ministry. 

In the management of my outward affairs, I may 
say with thankfulness, I found Truth to he my sup- 
port; and I was respected in my master's family, who 
came to live in Mount Holly within two years after 
my going there. 

About the twenty-third year of my age, I had many 
fresh and heavenly openings, in respect to the care 
and providence of the Almighty over his creatures 
in general, and over man as the most noble amongst 
those which are visible. And being clearly convin- 
ced in my judgment, that to place my whole trust in 
God was best for me, I felt renewed engagements, 
that in all things I might act on an inward principle 
of virtue, and pursue worldly business no further 
than as truth opened my way therein. 

About the time called christmas, I observed many 
people from the country, and dwellers in town, who, 
resorting to public houses, spent their time in drink- 
ing and vain sports, tending to corrupt one another; on 
which account I was much troubled. At one house 
in particular there was much disorder; and I believed 
it was a duty laid on me to go and speak to the mas- 
ter of that house. I considered I was young, and that 
several elderly Friends in town had opportunity to 
see these things; but though I would gladly have been 
excused, yet I could not feel my mind clear. 

The exercise was heavy: and as I was reading what 
the Almighty said to Ezekiel, respecting his duty as 
a watchman, the matter was set home more clearly; 
and then, with prayers and tears, I besought the Lord 
for his assistance, who, in loving kindness, gave me 
a resigned heart. Then, at a suitable opportunity, I 
went to the public house; and seeing the man amongst 
much company, I went to him and told him I want- 



JOHN woolman's journal. 23 

ed to speak with him; so we went aside, and there, 
in the fear and dread of the Almighty, I expressed to 
him what rested on my mind; which he took kindly, 
and afterward showed more regard to me than before. 
In a few years afterwards he died, middle-aged; and 
I often thought, that had I neglected my duty in that 
case, it would have given me great trouble; and I was 
humbly thankful to my gracious Father, who had 
supported me herein. 

My employer having a negro woman, sold her, and 
directed me to write a bill of sale; the man being 
waiting who bought her. The thing was sudden; 
and though the thoughts of writing an instrument of 
slavery for one of my fellow-creatures felt uneasy, 
yet I remembered I was hired by the year; — that it 
was my master who directed me to do it, — and that 
it was an elderly man, a member of our society who 
bought her; so, through weakness, I gave way, and 
wrote it; but, at the executing it, I was so afflicted in 
my mind, that I said before my master and the Friend, 
that I believed slave-keeping to be a practice incon- 
sistent with the christian religion. This in some 
degree abated my uneasiness; yet, as often as I re- 
flected seriously upon it, I thought I should have 
been clearer, if I had desired to be excused from it, 
as a thing against my conscience; for such it was. — 
Some time after this, a young man, of our society, 
spoke to me to write a conveyance of a slave to him; 
he having lately taken a negro into his house. After 
a short pause, I told him, I was not easy to write it; 
for though many kept slaves in our society as in 
others, I still believed the practice was not right; and 
desired to be excused from doing the writing. I spoke 
to him in good will; and he told me, that keeping 
slaves was not altogether agreeable to his mind; but 
that the slave being a gift made to his wife, he had 
accepted of her. 



24 



CHAPTER II. 

His first journey on a religious visit, into East Jersey, in company with 
Abraham Farrington — His thoughts on merchandizing, and his 
learning a trade — His second journey, with Isaac Andrews, into 
Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. — His third 
journey, with Peter Andrews, through part of West and East Jersey 
— Some account of his sister Elizabeth, and her death — His fourth 
journey, with Peter Andrews, through New York and Long Island, 
to New England — And his fifth journey, with John Sykes, to the 
Eastern Shore of Maryland, and the Lower Counties on Delaware. 

My esteemed friend Abraham Farrington, being 
about to make a visit to Friends on the eastern side 
of this province, and having no companion, he pro- 
posed to me to go with him; and after a conference 
with some elderly friends, I agreed to go. So we 
set out on the 5th day of the 9th month, in the year 
1743; and had an evening meeting at a tavern in 
Brunswick, a town in which none of our society 
dwelt; the room was full, and the people quiet. — 
Thence to Amboy, and had an evening meeting in 
the court-house; to which came many people, amongst 
whom were several members of assembly, they being 
in that town on the public affairs of the province. In 
i)0th these meetings my ancient companion was en- 
larged to preach, in the love of the gospel. Thence 
we went to Woodbridge, Rahway, and Plainfield; and 
had six or seven meetings in places where Friends' 
meetings are not usually held, being made up chiefly 
of Presbyterians; and my beloved companion was 
frequently strengthened to publish the word of life 
amongst them. As for me, I was often silent through 
the meetings; and when I spake, it was with much 
care, that I might speak only what Truth opened. — 
My mind was often tender, and I learned some pro- 
fitable lessons. We were out about two weeks. 

Near this time, being on some outward business in 
which several families were concerned, and which 



john woolman's journal. 25 

was attended with difficulties, some things relating 
thereto not being clearly stated, nor rightly under- 
stood by all, there arose some heat in the minds of 
the parties, and one valuable friend got off his watch. 
I had a great regard for him, and felt a strong inclina- 
tion, after matters were settled, to speak to him con- 
cerning his conduct in that case; but I being a youth, 
and he far advanced in age and experience, my way 
appeared difficult: but after some days deliberation, 
and inward seeking to the Lord for assistance, I was 
made subject; so that I expressed what lay upon me, 
in a way which became my youth and his years: and 
though it was a hard task to me, it was well taken, 
and, I believe, was useful to us both. 

Having now been several years with my employer, 
and he doing less at merchandize than heretofore, I 
was thoughtful of some other way of business; per- 
ceiving merchandize to be attended with much cum- 
ber, in the way of trading in these parts. 

My mind, through the power of Truth, was in a 
good degree weaned from the desire of outward great- 
ness, and I was learning to be content with real con- 
veniences that were not costly; so that a way of life 
free from much entanglements, appeared best for me, 
tho' the income might be small. I had several offers 
of business that appeared profitable, but did not see 
my way clear to accept of them; as believing the 
business proposed would be attended with more out- 
ward care and cumber than was required of me to 
engage in. 

I saw that a humble man, with the blessing of the 
Lord, might live on a little; and that where the heart 
was set on greatness, success in business did not satis- 
fy the craving; but that commonly with an increase 
of wealth, the desire of wealth increased. There was 
a care on my mind so to pass my time, that nothing 
might hinder me from the most steady attention to 
the voice of the true Shepherd. 

My employer, though now a retailer of goods, was 
by trade a tailor, and kept a servant man at that busi- 
3 



26 john woolman's journal. 1746 

ness; and I began to think about learning the trade, 
expecting that if I should settle, I might by this trade, 
and a little retailing of goods, get a living in a plain 
way, without the load of great business. I mention- 
ed it to my employer, and we soon agreed on terms: 
and then, when I had leisure from the affairs of mer- 
chandize, I worked with his man. I believed the 
hand of Providence pointed out this business for me, 
and was taught to be content with it; though I felt, 
at times, a disposition that would have sought for 
something greater: but through the revelation of Jesus 
Christ, I had seen the happiness of humility, and there 
was an earnest desire in me to enter deep into it; and, 
at times, this desire arose to a degree of fervent sup- 
plication, wherein my soul was so environed with 
heavenly light and consolation, that things were made 
easy to me which had been otherwise. 

After some time, my employer's wife died. She 
was a virtuous woman, and generally beloved of her 
neighbours: and soon after this he left shop-keeping; 
and we parted. I then wrought at my trade as a tai- 
lor; carefully attended meetings for worship and dis- 
cipline; and found an enlargement of gospel love in 
my mind, and therein a concern to visit Friends in 
some of the back settlements of Pennsylvania and 
Virginia; and being thoughtful about a companion, I 
expressed it to my beloved friend Isaac Andrews, 
who then told me that he had drawings to the same 
places; and also to go through Maryland, Virginia, 
and Carolina. After considerable time passed, and 
several conferences with him, I felt easy to accom- 
pany him throughout, if way opened for it. I opened 
the case in our monthly meeting, and Friends ex- 
pressing their unity therewith, we obtained certifi- 
cates to travel as companions; his from Haddonfield, 
and mine from Burlington. 

We left our province on the 12th day of the 3rd 
month, 1746, and had several meetings in the upper 
part of Chester county, and near Lancaster; in some 
of which the love of God prevailed, uniting us to- 



TRAVELS IN VIRGINIA. 27 

gether in his service. Then we crossed the river 
Susquehannah, and had several meetings in a new set- 
tlement, called the Red Lands; the oldest of which, 
as I was informed, did not exceed ten years. It is 
the poorer sort of people that commonly begin to im- 
prove remote deserts: with a small stock they have 
houses to build, lands to clear and fence, corn to raise, 
clothes to provide, and children to educate; that 
Friends, who visit such, may well sympathize with 
them in their hardships in the wilderness: And tho' 
the best entertainment such can give, may seem coarse 
to some who are used to cities, or old settled places, 
it becomes the disciples of Christ to be content with 
it. Our hearts were sometimes enlarged in the love 
of our heavenly Father amongst these people; and 
the sweet influence of his spirit supported us through 
some difficulties: to him be the praise. 

We passed on to Manoquacy, Fairfax, Hopewell, 
and Shenandoah, and had meetings; some of which 
were comfortable and edifying. From Shenandoah, 
we set off in the afternoon for the old settlements of 
Friends in Virginia; and the first night, we, with our 
pilot, lodged in the woods, our horses feeding near us; 
but he being poorly provided with a horse, and we 
young and having good horses, were free the next 
day to part with him; and did so. In two days after, 
we reached to our friend John Cheagle's, in Virginia. 
So we took the meetings in our way thro' Virginia; 
— were, in some degree, baptized into a feeling sense 
of the conditions of the people; and our exercise in 
general was more painful in these old settlements, 
than it had been amongst the back inhabitants: but 
through the goodness of our heavenly Father, the well 
of living waters was, at times, opened to our encou- 
ragement, and the refreshment of the sincere-hearted. 
We went on to Perquimons, in North Carolina; — had 
several meetings, which were large; and found some 
openness in those parts, and a hopeful appearance 
amongst the young people. So we turned again to 
Virginia, and attended most of the meetings which we 



28 john woolman's journal. 1746 

had not been at before, labouring amongst Friends in 
the love of Jesus Christ, as ability was given: and 
thence went to the mountains, up James' river, to a 
new settlement; and had several meetings amongst 
the people, some of whom had lately joined in mem- 
bership with our society. 

In our journeying to and fro, we found some hon- 
est-hearted Friends, who appeared to be concerned 
for the cause of Truth among a backsliding people. 

From Virginia, we crossed over the river Potomac, 
at Hoe's ferry, and made a general visit to the meet- 
ings of Friends on the Western Shore of Maryland; 
and were at their Quarterly meeting. We had some 
hard labour amongst them, endeavouring to discharge 
our duty honestly, as way opened, in the love of 
Truth: and thence, taking sundry meetings in our 
way, we passed homeward; where, thro' the favour 
of Divine Providence, we reached the 16th day of the 
6th month, 1746; and I may say, that through the 
assistance of the holy Spirit, which mortifies selfish 
desires, my companion and I travelled in harmony, 
and parted in the nearness of true brotherly love. — 
We travelled, by estimation, fifteen hundred miles, 
and were out three months and four days. 

Two things were remarkable to me in this journey: 
first, in regard to my entertainment; when I eat, 
drank and lodged free-cost with people who lived in 
ease on the hard labour of their slaves, I felt uneasy; 
and as my mind was inward to the Lord, I found, 
from place to place, this uneasiness return upon me, 
at times, through the whole visit. Where the mas- 
ters bore a good share of the burden, and lived fru- 
gally, so that their servants were well provided for, 
and their labour moderate, I felt more easy; but where 
they lived in a costly way, and laid heavy burdens on 
their slaves, my exercise was often great, and I fre- 
quently had conversation with them, in private, con- 
cerning it. Secondly, this trade of importing slaves 
from their native country being much encouraged 
amongst them, and the white people and their chil- 



TRAVELS IN NEW JERSEY. 29 

dren so generally living without much labour, was 
frequently the subject of my serious thoughts; and I 
saw, in these southern provinces, so many vices and 
corruptions, increased by this trade and this way of 
life, that it appeared to me as a dark gloominess hang- 
ing over the land: and though now many willingly 
run into it, yet in future the consequences will be 
grievous to posterity! I express it as it hath appeared 
to me, not at once, nor twice, but as a matter fixed on 
my mind. 

Soon after my return home, I felt an increasing 
concern for Friends on our sea coast; and on the 8th 
day of the Sth month, 1 746, with the unity of Friends, 
and in company with my beloved friend and neigh- 
bour, Peter Andrews, brother to my companion before 
mentioned, we set forward, and visited the meetings 
generally about Salem, Cape May, Great and Little 
Egg Harbour; and had meetings at Barnegat, Mana- 
hockin, and Squan, and so to the yearly meeting at 
Shrewsbury. Through the goodness of the Lord, 
way was opened, and the strength of Divine love was 
sometimes felt in our assemblies, to the comfort and 
help of those who were rightly concerned before him. 
We were out twenty-two days, and rode, by compu- 
tation, three hundred and forty miles. At Shrews- 
bury yearly meeting, we met with our dear friends, 
Michael Lightfoot and Abraham Farrington, who had 
good service there. 

The winter following died my eldest sister, Eliza- 
beth Woolman, jun. of the small-pox, aged thirty-one 
years. She was, from her youth, of a thoughtful dis- 
position; and very compassionate to her acquaintances 
in their sickness or distress, being ready to help as 
far as she could. She was dutiful to her parents; one 
instance whereof follows: — It happened that she and 
two of her sisters, being then near the estate of young 
women, had an inclination one first-day after meeting 
to go on a visit to some other young women at some 
distance off*; whose company, I believe, would have 
done them no good. They expressed their desire to 
3* 



30 john woolman's journal. 1746 

our parents; who were dissatisfied with the proposal, 
and stopped them. The same day, as my sisters and 
I were together, and they talking about their disap- 
pointment, Elizabeth expressed her contentment under 
it; signifying she believed it might be for their good. 
A few years after she attained to mature age, 
through the gracious visitations of God's love, she 
was strengthened to live a self-denying, exemplary 
life, giving herself much to reading and meditation. 

The following letter may show, in some degree, 
her disposition. 

Haddonfield, 1st day of 11th month, 1743. 
Beloved brother, John Woolman, — 

In that love which desires the welfare of all men, 
I write unto thee: I received thine, dated 2nd day of 
the 10th month last, with which I was comforted. — 
My spirit is bowed with thankfulness that I should 
be remembered, who am unworthy; but the Lord is 
full of mercy, and his goodness is extended to the 
meanest of his creation: therefore, in his infinite love, 
he hath pitied and spared, and shewed mercy, that I 
have not been cut off nor quite lost; but, at times, I 
am refreshed and comforted as with the glimpse of 
his presence, which is more to the immortal part, than 
all which this world can afford. So, with desires 
for thy preservation with my own, I remain thy 
affectionate sister, 

Eliz. Woolman, Jun. 

The fore part of her illness she was in great sadness 
and dejection of mind, of which she told one of her 
intimate friends, and said, "When I was a young girl 
I was wanton and airy, but I thought I had thorough- 
ly repented for it:" and added, "I have, of late, had 
great satisfaction in meetings." Though she was 
thus disconsolate, still she retained a hope, which 
was as an anchor to her: and some time after, the 
same friend came again to see her, to whom she men- 
tioned her former expressions, and said, " It is other- 



TRAVELS IN NEW ENGLAND. 31 

wise now; for the Lord hath rewarded me seven-fold; 
and I am unable to express the greatness of his love 
manifested to me." Her disorder appearing danger- 
ous, and our mother being sorrowful, she took notice 
of it, and said, "Dear mother, weep not for me; I go 
to my God;" and many times, with an audible voice, 
uttered praise to her Redeemer. 

A friend coming some miles to see her the morn- 
ing before she died, asked her how she did? She an- 
swered, "I have had a hard night, but shall not have 
another such; for I shall die, and it will be well with 
my soul:" and accordingly died the next evening. 

The following ejaculations were found amongst her 
writings; wrote, I believe, at four times: 

1. Oh ! that my head were as waters, and mine eyes 
as a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night, 
until acquainted with my God. 

2. Lord, that I may enjoy thy presence; or else 
my time is lost, and my life a snare to my soul. 

3. Lord, that I may receive bread from thy ta- 
ble, and that thy grace may abound in me. 

4. Lord, that I may be acquainted with thy pre- 
sence, that I may be seasoned with thy salt, that thy 
grace may abound in me. 

Of late I found drawings in my mind to visit 
Friends in New England and thereaway; and having 
an opportunity of joining in company with my be- 
loved friend Peter Andrews, we, having obtained cer- 
tificates from our monthly meeting, set forward on 
the 16th day of the 3rd month, 1747, and reached the 
Yearly Meeting at Long Island; at which were our 
friends, Samuel Nottingham from England, John Grif- 
fith, Jane Hoskins, and Elizabeth Hudson, from Penn- 
sylvania, and Jacob Andrews from Chesterfield. — 
Several of them were favoured in their public exer- 
cises, and, through the goodness of the Lord, we had 
some edifying meetings. After this, my companion 
and I visited Friends on Long Island; and, through 



32 john woolman's journal. 1747 

the mercies of God, we were helped in the work. — 
Besides going to the settled meetings of Friends, we 
were at a general meeting at Setawket, chiefly made 
up of other societies; and had a meeting at Oyster Bay, 
in a dwelling house, at which were many people: at 
the first of which there was not much said by way of 
testimony; but it was, I believe, a good meeting: at 
the latter, through the springing up of living waters, 
it was a day to be thankfully remembered. Having 
visited the island, we went over to the main land, ta- 
king meetings in our way to Oblong, Nine Partners, 
and New Milford. 

In these back settlements we met with several peo- 
ple, who, thro' the immediate workings of the spirit 
of Christ in their minds, were drawn from the vani- 
ties of the world, to an inward acquaintance with him: 
they were educated in the way of the Presbyterians. 
A considerable number of the youth, members of that 
society, were used often to spend their time together 
in merriment; but some of the principal young men 
of that company being visited by the powerful work- 
ings of the spirit of Truth, and thereby led humbly 
to take up the cross, could no longer join in those va- 
nities. And as these stood steadfast to that inward 
convincement, they were made a blessing to some of 
their former companions; so that, through the power 
of Truth, several were brought into a close exercise 
concerning the eternal well-being of their souls. These 
young people continued for a time to frequent their 
public worship; and besides that, had meetings of their 
own; which meetings were a while allowed by their 
preacher, who sometimes met with them: but, in time, 
their judgment in matters of religion disagreeing 
with some of the articles of the Presbyterians, their 
meetings were disapproved by that society; and such 
of them who stood firm to their duty as it was inward- 
ly manifested, had many difficulties to go through. — 
Their meetings were, in a while, dropped; some of 
them returning to the Presbyterians, and others of 
them, after a time, joined to our religious society. I 



TRAVELS IN MARYLAND. 33 

had conversation with some of the latter, to my help 
and edification; and believe several of them are ac- 
quainted with the nature of that worship which is 
performed in spirit and in truth. 

From hence, accompanied by Amos Powel, a Friend 
from Long Island, we rode through Connecticut, 
chiefly inhabited by Presbyterians, who were gener- 
ally civil to us, so far as I saw: and after three days 
riding, we came amongst Friends in the colony of 
Rhode Island. We visited Friends in and about New- 
port and Dartmouth, and the meetings generally in 
those parts; then to Boston; and proceeded eastward 
as far as Dover: and then returned to Newport, and 
not far from thence, we met our friend Thomas Gaw- 
throp from England, who was then on a visit to these 
provinces. From Newport we sailed to Nantucket; 
were there near a week; and from thence came over 
to Dartmouth: and having finished our visit in these 
parts, we crossed the Sound from New London to 
Long Island; and taking some meetings on the island, 
proceeded homeward; where we reached the 13th of 
the 7th month, 1747; having rode about fifteen hun- 
dred miles, and sailed about one hundred and fifty. 

In this journey, I may say in general, we were 
sometimes in much weakness, and laboured under 
discouragement; and at other times, through the re- 
newed manifestations of Divine love, we had seasons 
of refreshment, wherein the power of Truth prevail- 
ed. We were taught, by renewed experience, to la- 
bour for an inward stillness; at no time to seek for 
words, but to live in the spirit of Truth, and utter 
that to the people which Truth opened in us. My 
beloved companion and I belonged both to one meet- 
ing, came forth in the ministry near the same time, 
and were inwardly united in the work. He was about 
thirteen years older than I, bore the heaviest burden, 
and was an instrument of the greatest use. 

Finding a concern to visit Friends in the lower 
counties on Delaware, and on the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland, and having an opportunity to join with 



34 john woolman's journal. 1748 

my well-beloved, ancient friend, John Sykes, we ob- 
tained certificates, and set off the 7th day of the 8th 
month, 1748; — were at the meetings of Friends in 
the lower counties, attended the Yearly Meeting at 
Little Creek, and made a visit to chief of the meetings 
on the Eastern Shore; and so home by the way of 
Nottingham. We were abroad about six weeks; and 
rode, by computation, about five hundred and fifty 
miles. 

Our exercise, at times, was heavy; but, through the 
goodness of the Lord, we were often refreshed; and I 
may say by experience, "He is a strong hold in the 
day of trouble. " Though our society, in these parts, 
appeared to me to be in a declining condition; yet I 
believe the Lord hath a people amongst them, who 
labour to serve him uprightly, but have many difficul- 
ties to encounter. 



35 



CHAPTER III. 

His marriage — The death of his father — His journeys into the upper 
part of New Jersey, and afterwards into Pennsylvania — Considera- 
tions on keeping slaves, and his visits to the families of Friends at 
several times and places — An epistle from the general meeting — His 
journey to Long Island — Considerations on trading, and on the use 
of spirituous liquors and costly apparel — And his letter to a friend. 

About this time, believing it good for me to settle, 
and thinking seriously about a companion, my heart 
was turned to the Lord with desires that he would 
give me wisdom to proceed therein agreeable to his 
will; and he was pleased to give me a well-inclined 
damsel, Sarah Ellis; to whom I was married the 18th 
day of the 8th month, 1749. 

In the fall of the year 1750 died my father, Samuel 
Woolman, with a fever, aged about sixty years. 

In his life-time he manifested much care for us his 
children, that in our youth we might learn to fear the 
Lord; often endeavouring to imprint in our minds the 
true principles of virtue, and was particularly concern- 
ed to cherish in us a spirit of mercy and tenderness, 
not only towards poor people, but also towards all 
creatures of which we had the command. 

After my return from Carolina in the year 1746, I 
made some observations on keeping slaves, which 
some time before his decease I showed him; and he 
perused the manuscript, proposed a few alterations, 
and appeared well satisfied that I found a concern on 
that account. And in his last sickness, as I was watch- 
ing with him one night, he being so far spent that 
there was no expectation of his recovery, but had the 
perfect use of his understanding, he asked me concern- 
ing the manuscript, whether I expected soon to pro- 
ceed to take the advice of Friends in publishing it? 
and after some conversation thereon, said, "I have all 
along been deeply affected with the oppression of the 



36 John woolman's journal. 1753 

poor negroes; and now, at last, my concern for them 
is as great as ever." 

By his direction, I had wrote his will in a time of 
health; and that night he desired me to read it to him, 
which I did; and he said it was agreeable to his mind. 
He then made mention of his end, which he believed 
was now near; and signified, that though he was sen- 
sible of many imperfections in the course of his life, 
yet his experience of the power of Truth, and of the 
love and goodness of God from time to time, even till 
now, was such, that he had no doubt in leaving this 
life, he should enter into one more happy. 

The next day, his sister Elizabeth came to see him, 
and told him of the decease of their sister Ann; who 
died a few days before. He then said, "I reckon sis- 
ter Ann was free to leave this world?" Elizabeth said 
she was. He then said, " I also am free to leave it;" 
and being in great weakness of body, he said, "I hope 
I shall shortly go to rest." He continued in a weighty 
frame of mind, and was sensible till near the last. 



On the 2nd day of the 9th month, 1751, feeling 
drawings in my mind to visit Friends at the Great 
Meadows, in the upper part of this province, with the 
unity of our monthly meeting. I went there; and had 
some searching laborious exercise amongst Friend- in 
those parts, and found inward peace therein. I was 
out nine days, and rode about one hundred and seven- 
ty miles. 

In the 9th month, 1753, in company with my well- 
esteemed friend John Sykes, and with the unity of 
Friends, we travelled about two weeks, visiting the 
meetings of Friends in Bucks county. We laboured 
in the love of the gospel, according to the measure re- 
ceived; and through the mercies of him, who is strength 
to the poor who trust in him, we found satisfaction 
in our visit. And in the next winter, way opening 
to visit Friends' families within the compass of our 
monthly meeting, partly by the labours of two Friends 



TRAVELS IN NEW JERSEY. 37 

from Pennsylvania, I joined in some part of the work; 
having had a desire some time that it might go forward 
amongst us. 

About this time, a person at some distance lying 
sick, his brother came to me to write his will. I knew 
he had slaves; and asking his brother, was told he in- 
tended to leave them as slaves to his children. As 
writing is a profitable employ, and offending sober 
people was disagreeable to my inclination, I was strait- 
ened in my mind; but as I looked to the Lord, he in- 
clined my heart to his testimony; and I told the man, 
that I believed the practice of continuing slavery to 
this people was not right; and had a scruple in my 
mind against doing writings of that kind: that though 
many in our society kept them as slaves, still I was 
not easy to be concerned in it; and desired to be ex- 
cused from going to write the will. I spake to him 
in the fear of the Lord; and he made no reply to what 
I said, but went away: he also had some concerns in 
the practice; and I thought he was displeased with 
me. In this case I had a fresh confirmation, that act- 
ing contrary to present outward interest, from a mo- 
tive of Divine love, and in regard to truth and righ- 
teousness, and thereby incurring the resentments of 
people, opens the way to a treasure which is better 
than silver, and to a friendship exceeding the friend- 
ship of men. 

The manuscript before-mentioned having lain by 
me several years, the publication of it rested weighti- 
ly upon me; and this year I offered it to the overseers 
of the press, who having examined and made some 
small alterations in it, directed a number of copies 
thereof to be published, paid for out of the Yearly 
Meeting stock, and dispersed amongst Friends. 

In the year 1754, I found my mind drawn to join 
in a visit to Friends' families belonging to Chester- 
field monthly meeting: and having the approbation of 
our own, I went to their monthly meeting in order to 
confer with Friends, and see if way opened for it. I 
had conference with some of their members, the pro- 
4 



38 john woolman's journal. 1755 

posal having been opened before in their meeting, and 
one Friend agreed to join with me as a companion for 
a beginning: but when meeting was ended, I felt great 
distress of mind, and doubted what way to take, or 
whether to go home and wait for greater clearness. — 
I kept my distress secret; and, going with a friend to 
his house, my desires were to the great Shepherd for 
his heavenly instruction; and in the morning I felt 
easy to proceed on the visit, being very low in my 
mind: and as my eye was turned to the Lord, waiting 
in families in deep reverence before him, he was 
pleased graciously to afford help; so that we had many 
comfortable opportunities, and it appeared as a fresh 
visitation to some young people. I spent several 
weeks this winter in the service; part of which time 
was employed near home. And again in the follow- 
ing winter I was several weeks in the same service; 
some part of the time at Shrewsbury, in company with 
my beloved friend John Sykes; and have cause hum- 
bly to acknowledge, that through the goodness of God, 
our hearts were at times, enlarged in his love; and 
strength was given to go through the trials which, in 
the course of our visit, attended us. 

From a disagreement between the powers of Eng- 
land and France, it was now a time of trouble on this 
continent; and an epistle to Friends went forth from 
our general spring meeting, which I thought good to 
give a place in this journal; being as follows. 

Jin EPISTLE from our general spring meeting 
of ministers and elders for Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, held at Philadelphia, from the 29th 
of the 3d month, to the 1st of the 4th month, in- 
clusive, 1755. 

To Friends on the continent of America. 

Dear Friends, — 

In an humble sense of Divine goodness, and 
the gracious continuation of God's love to his people, 
we tenderly salute you; and are at this time therein 



john woolman's journal. 39 

engaged in mind, that all of us who profess the Truth, 
as held forth and published by our worthy predeces- 
sors in this latter age of the world, may keep near to 
that life which is the light of men, and be strengthen- 
ed to hold fast the profession of our faith without 
wavering; that our trust may not be in man, but in 
the Lord alone, who ruleth in the army of heaven, 
and in the kingdoms of men, before whom the earth 
is "as the dust of the balance, and her inhabitants as 
grasshoppers. 7 ' Isa. xl. 22. 

We (being convinced that the gracious design of 
the Almighty in sending his Son into the world, was 
to repair the breach made by disobedience, to finish 
sin and transgression, that his kingdom might come, 
and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven) have 
found it to be our duty to cease from those national 
contests productive of misery and bloodshed, and 
submit our cause to Him the Most High, whose ten- 
der love to his children exceeds the most warm affec- 
tions of natural parents, and who hath 'promised to his 
seed throughout the earth, as to one individual, "I 
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb. xiii. 5. 
And as we, through the gracious dealings of the Lord 
our God, have had experience of that work which is 
carried on, "not by earthly might, nor by power, but 
by my spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts:" Zech. iv. 6; 
by which operation, that spiritual kingdom is set up, 
which is to subdue and break in pieces all kingdoms 
that oppose it, and shall stand for ever. In a deep 
sense thereof, and of the safety, stability and peace 
there is in it, we are desirous that all who profess the 
Truth, may be inwardly acquainted with it, and there- 
by be qualified to conduct in all parts of our life as 
becomes our peaceable profession. And we trust, as 
there is a faithful continuance to depend wholly upon 
the Almighty arm, from one generation to another, 
the peaceable kingdom will gradually be extended 
"from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of 
the earth," Zech. ix. 10; to the completion of 'those 
prophesies already begun, that "nation shall not lift 



40 JOHN woolman's journal. 1755 

up a sword against nation, nor learn war any more." 
Isa. ii. 4. Micah. iv. 3. 

And, dearly beloved Friends, seeing we have these 
promises, and believe that God is beginning to fulfil 
them, let us constantly endeavour to have our minds 
sufficiently disentangled from the surfeiting cares of 
this life, and redeemed from the love of the world; 
that no earthly possessions nor enjoyments may bias 
our judgments, or turn us from that resignation, and 
entire trust in God, to which his blessing is most sure- 
ly annexed: then may we say, "Our Redeemer is 
mighty, he will plead our cause for us." Jer. 1. 34. 
And if, for the further promoting his most gracious 
purposes in the earth, he should give us to taste of 
that bitter cup which his faithful ones have often 
partook of, Oh! that we may be rightly prepared to 
receive it! 

And now, dear Friends, with respect to the com- 
motions and stirrings of the powers of the earth at 
this time near us, we are desirous that none of us may 
be moved thereat; "but repose ourselves in the muni- 
tion of that rock that all these shakings shall not 
move; even in the knowledge and feeling of the eter- 
nal power of God, keeping us subjectly given up to 
his heavenly will; and feel it daily to mortify that 
which remains in any of us which is of this world: 
for the worldly part in any, is the changeable part, 
and that is up and down, full and empty, joyful and 
sorrowful, as things go well or ill in this world. For 
as the Truth is but one, and many are made partakers 
of its spirit, so the world is but one, and many are 
made partakers of the spirit of it: and so many as do 
partake of it, so many will be straitened and perplex- 
ed with it. But they who are single to the Truth, 
waiting daily to feel the life and virtue of it in their 
hearts, these shall rejoice in the midst of adversity,"* 
and have to experience with the prophet, that "al- 
though the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall 
fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, 
* Stephen Crisp's Epistle. 



JOHN WOOLMANS JOURNAL. 41 

and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be 
cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the 
stalls: yet will they rejoice in the Lord, and joy in 
the God of their salvation." Hab. iii. 17, IS. 

If, contrary to this, we profess the Truth, and not 
living under the power and influence of it, are pro- 
ducing fruits disagreeable to the purity thereof, and 
trust to the strength of man to support ourselves, 
therein our confidence will be vain. For He, who 
removed the hedge from his vineyard, and gave it to 
be trodden under foot, by reason of the wild grapes it 
produced, (Isa. v. 5,) remains unchangeable: and if, 
for the chastisement of wickedness, and the further 
promoting his own glory, he doth arise, even to shake 
terribly the earth, who then may oppose him, and 
prosper! 

We remain, in the love of the gospel, your friends 
and brethren. 

Signed in and on behalf of our said meeting, by 

Jacob Howell, John Evans, 

James Bartram, Mordecai Yarnall, 

Joseph White, Daniel Stanton, 

John Scarbrough, John Churchman, 

John Woolman, William Morris, 

Josiah Foster, Isaac Andrews, 

Joseph Tomlinson, Samuel Abbott. 

Scrupling to do writings relative to keeping slaves, 
having been a means of sundry small trials to me, in 
which I have so evidently felt my own will set aside, 
that I think it good to mention a few of them. 

Tradesmen and retailers of goods, who depend on 
their business for a livelihood, are naturally inclined 
to keep the good will of their customers; nor is it a 
pleasant thing for young men to be under any neces- 
sity to question the judgment or honesty of elderly 
men, and more especially of such who have a fair re- 
putation. Deep rooted customs, though wrong, are 
not easily altered; but it is the duty of every one to 
4* 



42 john woolman's journal. 1755 

be firm in that which they certainly know is right for 
them. 

A charitable, benevolent man, well acquainted with 
a negro, may, I believe, under some circumstances, 
keep him in his family as a servant, on no other mo- 
tive than the negro's good: but man, as man, knows 
not what shall be after him; nor hath he any assurance 
that his children will attain to that perfection in wis- 
dom and goodness necessary in every absolute gover- 
nor. Hence it is clear to me, that I ought not to be the 
scribe where wills are drawn in which some children 
are made absolute masters over others during life. 

About this time, an ancient man of good esteem in 
the neighbourhood, came to my house to get his will 
wrote. He had young negroes; and I, asking him 
privately how he purposed to dispose of them, he told 
me: I then said, I cannot write thy will without break- 
ing my own peace; and respectfully gave him my rea- 
sons for it. He signified that he had a choice that I 
should have wrote it; but as I could not, consistent 
with my conscience, he did not desire it; and so he 
got it wrote by some other person. And a few years 
after, there being great alterations in his family, he 
came again to get me to write his will: his negroes 
were yet young; and his son, to whom he intended to 
give them, was, since he first spoke to me, from a 
libertine become a sober young man; and he suppo- 
sed, that I would have been free, on that account, to 
write it. We had much friendly talk on the subject, 
and then deferred it: and a few days after, he came 
again, and directed their freedom; and so I wrote his 
will. 

Near the time the last mentioned friend first spoke 
to me, a neighbour received a bad bruise in his body, 
and sent for me to bleed him; which being done, he de- 
sired me to write his will. I took notes; and amongst 
other things, he told me to which of his children he 
gave his young negro. I considered the pain and 
distress he was in, and knew not how it would end: 
so I wrote his will, save only that part concerning his 



TRAVELS IN LONG ISLAND. 43 

slave; and, carrying it to his bed-side, read it to him: 
and then told him, in a friendly way, that I could not 
write any instruments by which my fellow-creatures 
were made slaves, without bringing trouble on my 
own mind. I let him know that I charged nothing 
for what I had done; and desired to be excused from 
doing the other part in the way he proposed. We 
then had a serious conference on the subject; and at 
length, he agreeing to set her free, I finished his will. 



Having found drawings in my mind to visit Friends 
on Long Island; after obtaining a certificate from our 
monthly meeting, I set off on the 12th day of the 5th 
month, 1756. When I reached the island, I lodged 
the first night at the house of my dear friend Richard 
Hallet: the next day, being the first of the week, I 
attended the meeting at Newtown; in which we ex- 
perienced the renewed manifestation of the love of 
God, to the comfort of the honest-hearted. I went 
that night to Flushing; and the next day, in company 
with my beloved friend Matthew Franklin, we cross- 
ed the ferry at White Stone; — were at three meetings 
on that side the water, and then returned to the island; 
where I spent the remainder of the week in visiting 
meetings. The Lord, I believe, hath a people in those 
parts, who are honestly concerned to serve him; but 
many, I fear, are too much clogged with the things 
of this life, and do not come forward bearing the cross 
in such faithfulness as the Almighty calls for. 

My mind was deeply engaged in this visit, both in 
public and private; and at several places where I was, 
on observing that they had slaves, I found myself 
under a necessity, in a friendly way, to labour with 
them on that subject; expressing as way opened, the 
inconsistency of that practice with the purity of the 
christian religion, and the ill effects of it manifested 
amongst us. 

The latter end of the week, their Yearly Meeting 
began; at which were our friends John Scarbrough, 



44 john woolman's journal. 1756 

Jane Hoskins, and Susannah Brown, from Pennsyl- 
vania: the public meetings were large, and measura- 
bly favoured with Divine goodness. 

The exercise of my mind, at this meeting, was 
chiefly on account of those who were considered as 
the foremost rank in the society; and in a meeting of 
ministers and elders, way opened that I expressed in 
some measure what lay upon me. And at a time 
when Friends were met for transacting the affairs of 
the church, having sat a while silent, I felt a weight 
on my mind, and stood up; and through the gracious 
condescension of our heavenly Father, strength was 
given fully to clear my mind of a burden, which for 
some days had been increasing upon me. 

Through the humbling dispensations of Divine Pro- 
vidence, men are sometimes fitted for his service. — 
The messages of the prophet Jeremiah were so dis- 
agreeable to the people, and so reverse to the spirit 
they lived in, that he became the object of their re- 
proach; and in the weakness of nature, thought of de- 
sisting from his prophetic office; "but," saith he, "His 
word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my 
bones; and I was weary with forbearing, and could not 
stay/' I saw at this time, that if I was honest in declar- 
ing that which Truth opened in me, I could not please 
all men; and laboured to be content in the way of my 
duty, however disagreeable to my own inclination. 

After this I went homeward, taking Woodbridge 
and Plainfield in my way; in both which meetings, 
the pure influence of Divine love was manifested; in 
an humble sense whereof I went home; — having been 
out about twenty-four days, and rode about three hun- 
dred and sixteen miles. 

While I was out on this journey, my heart was 
deeply affected with a sense of the state of the church- 
es in our southern provinces; and believing the Lord 
was calling me to some further labour amongst them, 
I was bowed in reverence before him, with fervent 
desires that I might find strength to resign myself up 
to his heavenly will. 






john woolman's journal. 45 

Until this year, 1756, I continued to retail goods, 
besides following my trade as a tailor; about which 
time, I grew uneasy on account of my business grow- 
ing too cumbersome. 1 began with selling trimmings 
for garments, and from thence proceeded to sell cloths 
and linens; and at length, having got a considerable 
shop of goods, my trade increased every year, and 
the road to large business appeared open: but I felt a 
stop in my mind. 

Through the mercies of the Almighty, I had in a 
good degree, learned to be content with a plain way of 
living. I had but a small family; and, on serious con- 
sideration, I believed Truth did not require me to en- 
gage in much cumbering affairs. It had generally been 
my practice to buy and sell things really useful: things 
that served chiefly to please the vain mind in people, 
I was not easy to trade in; seldom did it; and when- 
ever I did, I found it weakened me as a christian. 

The increase of business became my burden: for 
though my natural inclination was towards merchan- 
dize, yet I believed Truth required me to live more 
free from outward cumbers; and there was now a strife 
in my mind between the two: and in this exercise my 
prayers were put up to the Lord, who graciously heard 
me, and gave me a heart resigned to his holy will. I 
then lessened my outward business; and, as I had op- 
portunity, told my customers of my intentions, that 
they might consider what shop to turn to: and in a 
while, I wholly laid down merchandize, following my 
trade as a tailor; myself only, having no apprentice. 
I also had a nursery of apple trees; in which I em- 
ployed some of my time in hoeing, grafting, trim- 
ming, and inoculating. 

In merchandize it is the custom, where I lived, to 
sell chiefly on credit, and poor people often get in 
debt; and when payment is expected, not having 
wherewith to pay, their creditors often sue for it at 
law. Having often observed occurrences of this kind, 
I found it good for me to advise poor people to take 
such goods as were most useful and not costly. 



46 john woolman's journal. 1756 

In the time of trading, I had an opportunity of see- 
ing that the too liberal use of spirituous liquors, and 
the custom of wearing too costly apparel, led some peo- 
ple into great inconveniencies: and these two things 
appear to be often connected one with the other. — 
For, by not attending to that use of things which is 
consistent with universal righteousness, there is an in- 
crease of labour which extends beyond what our hea- 
venly Father intends for us: and by great labour, and 
often by much sweating, there is, even among such 
who are not drunkards, a craving of some liquors to 
revive the spirits: that partly by the wanton, luxuri- 
ous drinking of some, and partly by the drinking of 
others, (led to it through immoderate labour) very 
great quantities of rum are every year expended in 
our colonies; the greater part of which we should have 
no need of, did we steadily attend to pure wisdom. 

Where men take pleasure in feeling their minds 
elevated with strong drink, and so indulge their ap- 
petite as to disorder their understandings, neglect 
their duty as members in a family or civil society, and 
cast off all regard to religion, their case is much to be 
pitied; and where such, whose lives are for the most 
part regular, and whose examples have a strong influ- 
ence on the minds of others, adhere to some customs 
which powerfully draw toward the use of more strong 
liquor than pure wisdom allows; this also, as it hinder* 
the spreading of the spirit of meekness, and strength- 
ens the hands of the more excessive drinkers, is a case 
to be lamented. 

As every degree of luxury hath some connexion 
with evil; so for those who profess to be disciples 
of Christ, and are looked upon as leaders of the peo- 
ple, to have that mind in them which was also in 
Him, and to stand separate from every wrong way, 
is a means of help to the weaker. As I have some- 
times been much spent in the heat, and taking spirits 
to revive me, I have found by experience, that in such 
circumstances the mind is not so calm, nor so fitly 
disposed for divine meditation, as when all such ex- 



JOHN WOOLMANS JOURNAL. 47 

tremes are avoided. And I have felt an increasing 
care to attend to that holy Spirit which sets right 
bounds to our desires; and leads those who faithfully 
follow it, to apply all the gifts of Divine Providence 
to the purposes for which they were intended. Did 
such who have the care of great estates, attend with 
singleness of heart to this heavenly Instructor, which 
so opens and enlarges the mind that men love their 
I neighbours as themselves, they would have wisdom 
given them to manage, without finding occasion to 
employ some people in the luxuries of life, or to make 
it necessary for others to labour too hard: but for want 
of steadily regarding this principle of Divine love, a 
selfish spirit takes place in the minds of people, which 
is attended with darkness and manifold confusions in 
the world. 

Though trading in things useful is an honest em- 
ploy; yet through the great number of superfluities 
which are commonly bought and sold, and through 
the corruptions of the times, they who apply to mer- 
chandize for a living, have great need to be well ex- 
perienced in that precept which the prophet Jeremiah 
laid down for his scribe: "Seekest thou great thing 
for thyself? seek them not." 

In the winter, this year, I was engaged with Friends 
in visiting families: and through the goodness of the 
Lord, we had oftentimes experienced of his heart-ten- 
dering presence among us. 

A copy of a Letter to a Friend. 

In this thy late affliction, I have found a deep fel- 
low-feeling with thee, and had a secret hope through- 
out, that it might please the Father of mercies to raise 
thee up, and sanctify thy troubles to thee; that thou, 
being more fully acquainted with that way which the 
world esteems foolish, may feel the clothing of Divine 
fortitude, and be strengthened to resist that spirit 
which leads from the simplicity of the everlasting 
Truth. 



48 JOHN woolman's journal. 

We may see ourselves crippled and halting, and from 
a strong bias to things pleasant and easy, find an im- 
possibility to advance forward: but things impossible 
with men are possible with God; and our wills being 
made subject to his, all temptations are surmounta- 
ble. 

This work of subjecting the will, is compared to the 
mineral in the furnace; which through fervent heat, 
is reduced from its first principle. " He refines them 
as silver is refined — He shall sit as a refiner and pu- 
rifier of silver." By these comparisons, we are in- 
structed in the necessity of the melting operation of 
the hand of God upon us, to prepare our hearts truly 
to adore him, and manifest that adoration, by inward- 
ly turning away from that spirit in all its workings, 
which is not of him. To forward this work, the all- 
wise God is sometimes pleased, through outward dis- 
tress, to bring us near the gates of death; that life be- 
ing painful and afflicting, and the prospect of eternity 
open before us, all earthly bonds may be loosened, 
and the mind prepared for that deep and sacred in- 
struction, which otherwise would not be received. 

If kind parents love their children and delight in 
their happiness, then He, who is perfect goodness, in 
sending abroad mortal contagions, doth assuredly di- 
rect their use — Are the righteous removed by it? their 
change is happy: Are the wicked taken away in thei r 
wickedness? the Almighty is clear: Do we pass thro' 
with anguish and great bitterness, and yet recover? 
He intends that we should be purged from dross, and 
our ear opened to discipline. 

And now on thy part, after thy sore affliction and 
doubts of recovery, thou art again restored. — forget 
not Him who hath helped thee; but in humble grati- 
tude hold fast his instructions, thereby to shun those 
by-paths which lead from the firm foundation. I am 
sensible of that variety of company, to which one in 
thy business must be exposed. I have painfully felt 
the force of conversation proceeding from men deep- 
ly rooted in an earthly mind, and can sympathize 



JOHN woolman's journal. 49 

with others in such conflicts, in that much weakness 
still attends me. 

I find that to be a fool as to worldly wisdom, and 
commit my cause to God, not fearing to offend men 
who take offence at the simplicity of Truth, is the 
only way to remain unmoved at the sentiments of 
others 

The fear of man brings a snare: by halting in our 
duty, and giving back in the time of trial, our hands 
grow weaker, our spirits get mingled with the people, 
our ears grow dull as to hearing the language of the 
true Shepherd; so that when we look at the way of 
the righteous, it seems as though it was not for us to 
follow them. 

There is a love clothes my mind while I write, 
which is superior to all expressions; and I find my 
heart open to encourage to a holy emulation to advance 
forward in christian firmness. Deep humility is a 
strong bulwark; and as we enter into it, we find safe- 
I ty and true exaltation: the foolishness of God is wiser 
I than man, and the weakness of God is stronger than 

I man. Being unclothed of our own wisdom, and know- 
| ing the abasement of the creature, therein we find that 
| power to arise, which gives health and vigor to us. 

John Woolman. 



50 



CHAPTER IV. 

His visiting the families of Friends at Burlington — His journey to Perm* 
sylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina — Considerations 
on the state of Friends there; and the exercise he was under in tra- 
velling among those so generally concerned in keeping slaves: with 
some observations in conversation, at several times, on this subject 
— His epistle to Friends at New Garden and Cane Creek — His 
thoughts on the neglect of a religious care in the education of the 
negroes. 

The 13th day of the 2d month, 1757, being then 
in good health, and abroad with Friends visiting fa- 
milies, I lodged at a friend's house, in Burlington: and 
going to bed about the time usual with me, I awoke 
in the night, and my meditations, as I lay, were on 
the goodness and mercy of the Lord; in a sense where- 
of my heart was contrite. After this I went to sleep 
again; and sleeping a short time, I awoke: it was yet 
dark, and no appearance of day nor moonshine; and 
as I opened mine eyes, I saw a light in my chamber 
at the apparent distance of five feet, about nine inches 
diameter, of a clear easy brightness; and near its cen- 
tre the most radiant. As I lay still without any sur- 
prise looking upon it, words were spoken to my in- 
ward ear, which filled my whole inward man: they 
were not the effect of thought, nor any conclusion in 
relation to the appearance, but as the language of the 
Holy One spoke in my mind: the words were, Cer- 
tain Evidence of Divine Truth; and were again re- 
peated exactly in the same manner; whereupon the 
light disappeared. 

Feeling the exercise in relation to a visit to the 
southern provinces to increase upon me, I acquaint- 
ed our monthly meeting therewith, and obtained their 
certificate: expecting to go alone, one of my brothers, 
who lived in Philadelphia, having some business in 
North Carolina, proposed going with me part of the 
way; but as he had a view of some outward affairs, to 



TRAVELS IN MARYLAND. 51 

accept of him as a companion seemed some difficulty 
with me; whereupon I had conversation with him at 
sundry times: and at length, feeling easy in my mind, 
I had conversation with several elderly Friends of 
Philadelphia on the subject; and he obtaining a certi- 
ficate suitable to the occasion, we set off in the 5th 
month, 1757; and coming to Nottingham week-day 
meeting, lodged at John Churchman's: and here I met 
with our friend Benj. Buffington, from New England, 
who was returning from a visit to the southern pro- 
vinces. Thence we crossed the river Susquehannah, 
and lodged at William Cox's in Maryland: and soon 
after I entered this province, a deep and painful exer- 
cise came upon me, which I had often had some feel- 
ing of since my mind was drawn toward these parts, 
and with which I acquainted my brother before we 
agreed to join as companions. 

As the people in this and the southern provinces, 
live much on the labour of slaves, many of whom are 
used hardly, — my concern was, that I might attend 
with singleness of heart to the voice of the true Shep- 
herd, and be so supported as to remain unmoved at 
the faces of men. 

As it is common for Friends on such a visit to have 
entertainment free of cost, a difficulty arose in my 
mind with respect to saving my money by kindness 
received, which to me appeared to be the gain of op- 
pression. 

Receiving a gift, considered as a gift, brings the 
receiver under obligations to the benefactor, and has 
a natural tendency to draw the obliged into a party 
with the giver. To prevent difficulties of this kind, 
and to preserve the minds of judges from any bias, 
was that Divine prohibition; "Thou shalt not receive 
any gift: for a gift blindeth the wife, and perverteth 
the words of the righteous." Exod. xxiii. 8. As the 
disciples were sent forth without any provision for 
their journey, and our blessed Lord said, the work- 
man is worthy of his meat, — their labour in the gos- 
pel was considered as a reward for their entertainment, 



52 john woolman's journal. 1757 

and therefore not received as a gift: yet, in regard to 
my present journey, I could not see my way clear in 
that respect; the difference appeared thus: The enter- 
tainment the disciples met with, was from such whose 
hearts God had opened to receive them, from a love 
to them, and the truth they published: but we, con- 
sidered as members of the same religious society, look 
upon it as a piece of civility to receive each other in 
such visits; and such reception, at times, is partly in 
regard to reputation, and not from an inward unity of 
heart and spirit. 

Conduct is more convincing than language; and 
where people, by their actions, manifest that the slave- 
trade is not so disagreeable to their principles but that 
it may be encouraged, there in not a sound uniting 
with some Friends who visit them. 

The prospect of so weighty a work, and being so 
distinguished from many who I esteemed before my- 
self, brought me very low; and such were the conflicts 
of my soul, that I had a near sympathy with the pro- 
phet in the time of his weakness, when he said, "If 
thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, if I have 
found favour in thy sight." But I soon saw that this 
proceeded from the want of a full resignation to the 
Divine will. Many were the afflictions which attend- 
ed me; and in great abasement, with many tears, my 
cries were to the Almighty for his gracious and fa- 
therly assistance: and then, after a time of deep trial, 
I was favoured to understand the state mentioned by 
the psalmist more clearly than ever I had before; to 
wit: "My soul is even as a weaned child. '^ 

Being thus helped to sink down into resignation, I 
felt a deliverance from that tempest in which I had 
been sorely exercised, and in calmness of mind went 
forward; trusting that the Lord, as I faithfully attend- 
ed to him, would be a councellor to me in all difficul- 
ties; and that by his strength I should be enabled even 
to leave money with the members of society where I 
had entertainment, when I found that omitting of it 
would obstruct that work to which I believed he had 



TRAVELS IN MARYLAND. 53 

called me. And as I copy this after my return, I may 
here add, that oftentimes I did so, under a sense of duty. 
The way in which I did it was thus: when I expect- 
ed soon to leave a Friend's house where I had enter- 
tainment, if I believed that I should not keep clear 
from the gain of oppression without leaving money, I 
spoke to one of the heads of the family privately, and 
desired them to accept of them pieces of silver, and 
give them to such of their negroes as they believed 
would make the best use of them; and at other times, 
I gave them to the negroes myself, as the way looked 
clearest to me. As I expected this before I came out, 
I had provided a large number of small pieces: and 
thus offering them to some who appeared to be wealthy 
people, was a trial both to me and them: but the fear 
of the Lord so covered me at times, that my way was 
made easier than I expected; and few, if any, mani- 
fested any resentment at the offer, and most of them, 
after some talk, accepted of them. 

The 7th day of the 5th month, 1757, lodged at a 
Friend's house: and the next day, being first of the 
week, was at Patapsco meeting; then crossed Patuxent 
river, and lodged at a public house. 9th. Breakfast- 
ed at a Friend's house; who afterwards, putting us a 
little on our way, I had conversation with him, in the 
fear of the Lord, concerning his slaves; in which my 
heart was tender, and I used much plainness of speech 
with him, which he appeared to take kindly. We 
pursued our journey without appointing meetings, 
being pressed in my mind to be at the Yearly Meet- 
ing in Virginia: and in my travelling on the road, I 
often felt a language rise from the centre of my mind, 
thus: Lord, I am a stranger in the earth, hide not 
thy face from me. 

On the 11th, we crossed the rivers Potomac and 
Rappahannock, and lodged at Port Royal; and on 
the way, we happening in company with a colonel of 
the militia, who appeared to be a thoughtful man, I 
took occasion to remark on the difference in general 
betwixt a people used to labour moderately for their 
5* 



54 john woolman's journal. 1757 

living, training up their children in frugality and 
business, and those who live on the labour of slaves; 
the former in my view, being the most happy life: 
with which he concurred, and mentioned the trouble 
arising from the untoward, slothful disposition of the 
negroes; adding, that one of our labourers would do 
as much in a day as two of their slaves. I replied, 
that free men whose minds were properly on their 
business, found a satisfaction in improving, cultiva- 
ting, and providing for their families; but negroes, 
labouring to support others who claim them as their 
property, and expecting nothing but slavery during 
life, had not the like inducement to be industrious. 
After some further conversation, I said, that men 
having power, too often misapplied it; — that though 
we made slaves of the negroes, and the Turks made 
slaves of the christians, I however believed that liber- 
ty was the natural right of all men equally: which he 
did not deny; but said, the lives of the negroes were 
so wretched in their own country, that many of them 
lived better here than there. I only said, there is 
great odds in regard to us, on what principle we act; 
and so the conversation on that subject ended. 

I may here add, that another person, some time af- 
terward, mentioned the wretchedness of the negroes, 
occasioned by their intestine wars, as an argument in 
favour of our fetching them away for slaves. To 
which I then replied, If compassion on the Africans, 
in regard to their domestic troubles, were the real 
motives of our purchasing them, that spirit of sympa- 
thy being attended to, would incite us to use them 
kindly; that as strangers brought out of affliction, 
their lives might be happy among us; and as they are 
human creatures, whose souls are as precious as ours, 
and who may receive the same help and comfort from 
the holy scriptures as we do, we could not omit suit- 
able endeavours to instruct them therein. But while 
we manifest by our conduct, that our views in pur- 
chasing them are to advance ourselves; and while our 
buying captives taken in war, animates those parties 



TRAVELS IN VIRGINIA. 55 

to push on that war, and increase desolation amongst 
them; to say they lived unhappy in Africa, is far from 
being an argument in our favour. And I further said, 
The present circumstances of these provinces to me 
appear difficult; — that the slaves look like a burden- 
some stone to such who burden themselves with them; 
and that, if the white people retain a resolution to pre- 
fer their outward prospects of gain to all other con- 
siderations, and do not act conscientiously toward 
them as fellow-creatures, I believe that burden will 
grow heavier and heavier, till times change in a way 
disagreeable to us. At which the person appeared 
very serious; and acknowledged, that in considering 
their condition, and the manner of their treatment in 
these provinces, he had sometimes thought it might 
be just in the Almighty so to order it. 

Having thus travelled through Maryland, we came 
among Friends at Cedar Creek in Virginia, on the 
12th day of the 5th month; and the next day rode, 
in company with several friends, a day's journey to 
Camp Creek. And as I was riding along in the 
morning, my mind was deeply affected in a sense I 
had of the want of Divine aid to support me in the 
various difficulties which attended me; and in an un- 
common distress of mind, I cried in secret to the 
Most High, Lord! be merciful, I beseech thee, to 
thy poor afflicted creature. After some time, I felt 
inward relief; and soon after, a Friend in company 
began to talk in support of the slave-trade, and said 
the negroes were understood to be the offspring of 
Cain, their blackness being the mark God set upon 
him after he murdered Abel his brother; — and that it 
was the design of Providence they should be slaves, 
as a condition proper to the race of so wicked a man 
as Cain was. Then another spake in support of what 
had been said. To all which, I replied in substance 
as follows: That Noah and his family were all who 
survived the flood, according to scripture; and as 
Noah was of Seth's race, the family of Cain was 
wholly destroyed. One of them said, that after the 



56 john woolman's journal. 1757 

flood Ham went to the land of Nod, and took a wife; — 
that Nod was a land far distant, inhabited by Cain's 
race; and that the flood did not reach it; and as Ham 
was sentenced to be a servant of servants to his bre- 
thren, these two families being thus joined, were un- 
doubtedly fit only for slaves. I replied, The flood 
was a judgment upon the world for their abomina- 
tions; and it was granted that Cain's stock was the 
most wicked, and therefore unreasonable to suppose 
they were spared. As to Ham's going to the land of 
Nod for a wife, no time being fixed, Nod might be 
inhabited by some of Noah's family, before Ham 
married a second time. Moreover the text saith, 
that "all flesh died that moved upon the earth." I 
further reminded them, how the prophets repeatedly 
declared "that the son shall not suffer for the iniqui- 
ty of the father; but every one be answerable for his 
own sins." I was troubled to perceive the darkness 
of their imaginations; and in some pressure of spirit 
said, The love of ease and gain are the motives in 
general of keeping slaves, and men are wont to take 
hold of weak arguments to support a cause which is 
unreasonable: and added, I have no interest on either 
side, save only the interest which I desire to have in 
the Truth: and as I believe liberty is their right, and 
see they are not only deprived of it, but treated in 
other respects with inhumanity in many places, I be- 
lieve He, who is a refuge for the oppressed, will in 
his own time plead their cause; and happy will it be 
for such who walk in uprightness before him: and 
thus our conversation ended. 

On the 14th of the 5th month, I was at Camp Creek 
monthly meeting; and then rode to the mountains up 
James' river, and had a meeting at a friend's house: 
in both which I felt sorrow of heart, and my tears 
were poured out before the Lord, who was pleased to 
afford a degree of strength by which way was opened 
to clear my mind amongst Friends in those places. 
From thence I went to Fork Creek, and so to Cedar 
Creek again; at which place I now had a meeting. 



TRAVELS IN VIRGINIA. 57 

Here I found a tender seed: and as I was preserved 
in the ministry to keep low with the truth, the same 
truth in their hearts answered it; so that it was a time 
of mutual refreshment from the presence of the Lord. 
I lodged at James Standley's, father of William Stand- 
ley, one of the young men who suffered imprisonment 
at Winchester last summer, on account of their testi- 
mony against fighting; and I had some satisfactory 
conversation with him concerning it. Hence I went to 
the Swamp meeting, and to Wayneoke meeting; and 
then crossed James' river, and lodged near Burleigh. 

From the time of my entering Maryland I have 
been much under sorrow, which of late so increased 
upon me, that my mind was almost overwhelmed; 
and I may say with the psalmist, "In my distress I 
called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God;" who, 
in infinite goodness, looked upon my affliction, and 
in my private retirement sent the Comforter for my 
relief; for which I humbly bless his holy name. 

The sense I had of the state of the churches, brought 
a weight of distress upon me: the gold to me appear- 
ed dim, and the fine gold changed. And though this 
is the case too generally, yet the sense of it in these 
parts hath, in a particular manner, borne heavy upon 
me. It appeared to me, that through the prevailing 
of the spirit of this world, the minds of many were 
brought to an inward desolation; and instead of the 
spirit of meekness, gentleness, and heavenly wisdom, 
which are the necessary companions of the true sheep 
of Christ, a spirit of fierceness, and the love of do- 
minion, too generally prevailed. 

From small beginnings in errors, great buildings, 
by degrees, are raised; and from one age to another, 
are more and more strengthened by the general con- 
currence of the people: and as men of reputation de- 
part from the truth, their examples are mentioned as 
arguments in favour of general error; and those of less 
note, to justify themselves, say, such and such good 
men did the like. By what other steps could the 
people of Judah have arisen to that height in wicked- 



58 john woolman's journal. 1757 

ness, as to give just ground for the prophet Isaiah to 
declare in the name of the Lord, "that none calleth 
for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth:" or for the 
Almighty to call upon the great city of Jerusalem, 
just before the Babylonish captivity, "If ye can find 
a man, if there be any who executeth judgment, that 
seeketh the truth, and I will pardon it." The pros- 
pect of a road lying open to the same degeneracy, in 
some parts of this newly settled land of America, in 
respect to our conduct toward the negroes, hath deep- 
ly bowed my myid in this journey; and though to 
briefly relate how these people are treated is no agree- 
able work; yet, after often reading over the notes I 
made as I travelled, I find my mind engaged to pre- 
serve them. 

Many of the white people in those provinces, take 
little or no care of negro marriages; and when negroes 
marry after their own way, some make so little ac- 
count of those marriages, that with views of outward 
interest, they often part men from their wives by sell- 
ing them far asunder; which is common when estates 
are sold by executors at vendue. Many whose labour 
is heavy, being followed, at their business in the field, 
by a man with a whip, hired for that purpose, have 
in common little else allowed but one peck of Indian 
corn and some salt for one week, with a few potatoes; 
the potatoes they commonly raise by their labour on 
the first day of the week. The correction ensuing on 
their disobedience to overseers, or slothfulness in busi- 
ness, is often very severe, and sometimes desperate. 

Men and women have many times scarce clothes 
enough to hide their nakedness; and boys and girls, 
ten and twelve years old, are often quite naked 
amongst their master's children. Some of our socie- 
ty, and some of the society called New Lights, use 
some endeavours to instruct those they have in read- 
ing; but in common this is not only neglected, but 
disapproved. 

These are a people, by whose labour the other in- 
habitants are in a great measure supported, and many 



TRAVELS IN VIRGINIA. 59 

of them in the luxuries of life: — these are a people 
who have made no agreement to serve us, and who 
have not forfeited their liberty that we know of: — 
these are souls for whom Christ gave his life; and for 
our conduct toward them, we must answer before 
that Almighty Being who is no respecter of persons. 

They who know the only true God, and Jesus 
Christ whom he hath sent, and are thus acquainted 
with the merciful, benevolent, gospel spirit, will 
therein perceive that the indignation of God is kin- 
dled against oppression and cruelty; and in behold- 
ing the great distress of so numerous a people, will 
find cause for mourning. 

From my lodgings, I went to Burleigh meeting, 
where I felt my mind drawn into a quiet resigned 
state; and after long silence, I felt an engagement to 
stand up, and through the powerful operation of Di- 
vine love, we were favoured with an edifying meet- 
ing. The next meeting we had was at Black Water; 
and so to the Yearly Meeting at the Western Branch. 
When business began, some queries were produced 
by some of their members, to be now considered, and 
if approved, to be answered hereafter by their respec- 
tive monthly meetings. They were the Pennsylva- 
nia queries, which had been examined by a commit- 
tee of Virginia Yearly Meeting appointed the last 
year, who made some alterations in them: one of 
which alterations was made in favour of a custom 
which troubled me. The query was, "Are there 
any concerned in the importation of negroes, or buy- 
ing them after imported?" which they altered thus: 
"Are there any concerned in the importation of ne- 
groes, or buying them to trade in?" As one query 
admitted with unanimity was, " Are any concerned 
in buying or vending goods unlawfully imported, or 
prize goods?" I found my mind engaged to say, that 
as we professed the Truth, and were there assembled 
to support the testimony of it, it was necessary for us 
to dwell deep, and act in that wisdom which is pure, 
or otherwise we could not prosper. I then mention- 



60 john woolman's journal. 1757 

ed their alteration; and referring to the last mention- 
ed query, added, As purchasing any merchandize 
taken by the sword, was always allowed to be incon- 
sistent with our principles; — negroes being captives 
of war, or taken by stealth, those circumstances make 
it inconsistent with our testimony to buy them; and 
their being our fellow-creatures, who are sold as 
slaves, adds greatly to the iniquity. Friends ap- 
peared attentive to what was said; some expressed a 
care and concern about their negroes; and none made 
any objection, by way of reply to what I said; but 
the query was admitted as they had altered it. 

As some of their members have heretofore traded 
in negroes, as in other merchandize, this query, being 
admitted, will^ be one step further than they have 
hitherto gone; and I did not see it my duty to press 
for an alteration; but felt easy to leave it all to Him, 
who alone is able to turn the hearts of the mighty, 
and make way for the spreading of Truth in the earth, 
by means agreeable to his infinite wisdom. But in 
regard to those they already had, I felt my mind en- 
gaged to labour with them; and said, that as we be- 
lieve the scriptures were given forth by holy men, as 
they were moved by the holy Spirit, and many of us 
know by experience that they are often helpful and 
comfortable, and believe ourselves bound in duty to 
teach our children to read them, I believe, that if we 
were divested of all selfish views, the same good spi- 
rit that gave them forth, would engage us to teach the 
negroes to read, that they might have the benefit of 
them. Some there were amongst them who, at this 
time, manifested a concern in regard to taking more 
care in the education of their negroes. 

On the 29th of the 5th month, and first of the week, 
in the house where I lodged, was a meeting of minis- 
ters and elders, at the ninth hour in the morning; at 
which meeting I found an engagement to speak free- 
ly and plainly to them concerning their slaves; men- 
tioning how they, as the first rank in the society, 
whose conduct in that case was much noticed by 



JOHN WOOLMANS JOURNAL. 61 

others, were under the stronger obligations to look 
carefully to themselves: expressing how needful it was 
for them, in that situation, to be thoroughly divested 
of selfish views; so that living in the pure Truth, and 
acting conscientiously toward those people, in their 
education and otherwise, — they might be instrumen- 
tal in helping forward a work so exceedingly neces- 
sary, and so much neglected amongst them. At the 
twelfth hour the meeting of worship began; which 
was a solid meeting. 

On the 30th, about the tenth hour, Friends met to 
finish their business, and then the meeting for worship 
ensued, which to me was a laborious time; but, thro' 
the goodness of the Lord, Truth, I believe, gained 
some ground; and it was a strengthening opportunity 
to the honest-hearted. 

About this time I wrote an epistle to Friends in 
the back settlements of North Carolina, as follows: 

To Friends at their monthly meeting at New Gar- 
den and Cane Creek, in North Carolina. 

Dear Friends, — 

It having pleased the Lord to draw me forth 
on a visit to some parts of Virginia and Carolina, you 
have often been in my mind; and though my way is 
not clear to come in person to visit you, yet I feel it 
in my heart to communicate a few things, as they 
arise in the love of truth. 

First, my dear friends, dwell in humility; and take 
heed that no views of outward gain get too deep hold 
of you, that so your eyes being single to the Lord, 
you may be preserved in the way of safety. Where 
people let loose their minds after the love of outward 
things, and are more engaged in pursuing the profits, 
and seeking the friendships of this world, than to be 
inwardly acquainted with the way of true peace; such 
walk in a vain shadow, while the true comfort of life 
is wanting: their examples are often hurtful to others; 

6 



62 john woolman's journal. 1757 

and their treasures, thus collected, do many times 
prove dangerous snares to their children. 

But where people are sincerely devoted to follow 
Christ, and dwell under the influence of the Holy Spi- 
rit, their stability and firmness, through the Divine 
blessing, is at times like dew on the tender plants 
round about them, and the weightiness of their spirits 
secretly works on the minds of others; and in this 
condition, through the spreading influence of Divine 
love, they feel a care over the flock; and way is open 
for maintaining good order in the society. And tho' 
we meet with opposition from another spirit, yet, as 
there is a dwelling in meekness, feeling our spirits 
subject, and moving only in the gentle peaceable wis- 
dom, the inward reward of quietness will be greater 
than all our difficulties. Where the pure life is kept 
to, and meetings of discipline are held in the authori- 
ty of it, we find by experience that they are comforta- 
ble, and tend to the health of the body. 

While I write, the youth comes fresh in my way: — 
Dear young people, choose God for your portion; 
love his truth, and be not ashamed of it; choose for 
your company such who serve him in uprightness; 
and shun, as most dangerous, the conversation of 
those whose lives are of an ill favour; for by fre- 
quenting such company, some hopeful young people 
have come to great loss, and been drawn from less 
evils to greater to their utter ruin. In the bloom of 
youth no ornament is so lovely as that of virtue, nor 
any enjoyments equal to those which we partake of, 
in fully resigning ourselves to the Divine will. These 
enjoyments add sweetness to all other comforts, and 
give true satisfaction in company and conversation, 
where people are mutually acquainted with it: and as 
your minds are thus seasoned with the truth, you will 
find strength to abide steadfast to the testimony of it, 
and be prepared for services in the church. 

And now, dear friends and brethren, as you are im- 
proving a wilderness, and may be numbered amongst 
the first planters in one part of a province, I beseech 



john woolman's journal. 63 

you, in the love of Jesus Christ, wisely to consider 
the force of your examples, and think how much your 
successors may be thereby affected. It is a help in a 
country; yea, a great favour and a blessing, when cus- 
toms first settled, are agreeable to sound wisdom: so, 
when they are otherwise, the effect of them is griev- 
ous; and children feel themselves encompassed with 
difficulties prepared for them by their predecessors. 

As moderate care and exercise, under the direction 
of pure wisdom, is useful both to mind and body; so 
by this means in general, the real wants of life are 
easily supplied: our gracious Father having so propor- 
tioned one to the other, that keeping in the true me- 
dium we may pass on quietly. Where slaves are pur- 
chased to do our labour, numerous difficulties attend 
it. To rational creatures bondage is uneasy, and fre- 
quently occasions sourness and discontent in them; 
which affects the family, and such who claim the mas- 
tery over them: and thus people and their children 
are many times encompassed with vexations, which 
arise from their applying to wrong methods to get a 
living. 

I have been informed that there are a large number 
of Friends in your parts, who have no slaves; and in 
tender and most affectionate love, I beseech you not 
to purchase any. Look, my dear friends, to Divine 
Providence; and follow in simplicity that exercise of 
body, that plainness and frugality, which true wisdom 
leads to; so may you be preserved from those dangers 
which attend such who are aiming at outward ease 
and greatness. 

Treasures, though small, attained on a true princi- 
ple of virtue, are sweet in the possession; and while 
we walk in the light of the Lord, there is true com- 
fort and satisfaction. Here neither the murmurs of an 
oppressed people, nor throbbing uneasy conscience, 
nor anxious thoughts about the events of things, hin- 
der the enjoyment of it. 

When we look toward the end of life, and think on 
the division of our substance among our successors; if 



64 john woolman's journal. 1757 

we know that it was collected in the fear of the Lord, 
in honesty, in equity, and in uprightness of heart 
before him, we may consider it as his gift to us; and 
with a single eye to his blessing, bestow it on those 
we leave behind us. Such is the happiness of the plain 
ways of true virtue. "The work of righteousness 
shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quiet- 
ness and assurance for ever." Isa. xxxii. 17. 

Dwell here, my dear friends; and then in remote 
and solitary deserts, you may find true peace and sat- 
isfaction. If the Lord be our God, in truth and reali- 
ty, there is safety for us; for he is a strong hold in the 
day of trouble, and knoweth them that trust in him. 

I am in true love, your friend, 

John Woolman. 

Isle of Wight county, in Virginia, 
29th of the 5th month, 1757. 

From the Yearly Meeting in Virginia, I went to 
Carolina; and on the 1st of the 6th month, was at 
Wells monthly meeting, where the spring of the gos- 
pel ministry was opened, and the love of God experi- 
enced amongst us: to his name be the praise. 

Here my brother joined with some Friends from 
New Garden, who were going homeward; and I went 
next to Simons Creek monthly meeting, where I was 
silent during the meeting for worship: and when busi- 
ness came on, my mind was deeply exercised concern- 
ing the poor slaves; but did not feel my way clear to 
speak. In this condition I was bowed in spirit before 
the Lord; and with tears and inward supplication be- 
sought him, so to open my understanding, that I might 
know his will concerning me; and at length, my mind 
was settled in silence. Near the end of their business, 
a member of their meeting expressed a concern that 
had some time lain upon him, on account of Friends 
so much neglecting their duty in the education of their 
negroes; and proposed having meetings sometimes ap- 
pointed for them on a week-day, to be only attended 
by some Friends to be named by their monthly meet- 



TRAVELS IN CAROLINA. 65 

ings. Many present appeared to unite with the pro- 
posal, — one said he had often wondered that they, 
being our fellow-creatures and capable of religious 
understanding, had been so exceedingly neglected. 
Another expressed the like concern, and appeared 
zealous that Friends, in future, might more closely 
consider the matter. At length a minute was made; 
and the further consideration of it referred to their 
next monthly meeting. The Friend who made this 
proposal hath negroes: he told me that he was at New 
Garden, about two hundred and fifty miles from home, 
and came back alone; and that in this solitary journey, 
this exercise, in regard to the education of their ne- 
groes, was from time to time, renewed in his mind. 
A Friend of some note in Virginia, who had slaves, 
told me that he being far from home on a lonesome 
journey, had many serious thoughts about them; and 
then believed that he saw a time coming, when Divine 
Providence would alter the circumstance of these peo- 
ple, respecting their condition as slaves. 

From hence I went to New-begun Creek, and sat a 
considerable time in much weakness; till at length I 
felt truth open the way to speak a little in much plain- 
ness and simplicity, and through the increase of Di- 
vine love amongst us, we had a seasoning opportuni- 
ty. From thence to the head of Little River on a 
first-day, where was a crowded meeting; and I believe 
it was, through Divine goodness, made profitable to 
some. Thence to the Old Neck; where I was led in- 
to a careful searching out of the secret workings of 
the mystery of iniquity, v^hich, under a cover of reli- 
gion, exalts itself against that pure spirit which leads 
in the way of meekness and self-denial. From thence 
to Piney Woods: this was the last meeting I was at 
in Carolina, and was large; and my heart being deep- 
ly engaged, I was drawn forth into a fervent labour 
amongst them. 

When I was at New-begun Creek, a Friend was 
there who laboured for his living, having no negroes, 
and had been a minister many years: he came to me 
6* 



66 john woolman's journal. 1757 

the next day; and as we rode together, he signified 
that he wanted to talk with me concerning a difficulty 
he had been under; and related it nearly as follows: 
to wit, That as monies had of late years been raised 
by a tax to carry on the wars, he had a scruple in his 
mind in regard to paying it, and chose rather to suf- 
fer distrait of his goods than pay it: and as he was the 
only person who refused it in those parts, and knew 
not that any one else was in the like circumstances, 
and signified that it had been a heavy trial to him; 
and more so, for that some of his brethren had been 
uneasy with his conduct in that case; and added, that 
from a sympathy he felt with me yesterday in meet- 
ing, he found the freedom thus to open the matter, in 
the way of query concerning Friends in our parts. — 
Whereupon I told him the state of Friends amongst 
us, as well as I was able; and also, that I had, for 
some time, been under the like scruple. I believed 
him to be one who was concerned to walk uprightly 
before the Lord; and esteemed it my duty to preserve 
this note concerning him, Samuel Newby. 

From hence I went back into Virginia, and had a 
meeting near James Cowpland's; it was a time of in- 
ward suffering ; but through the goodness of the Lord, 
I was made content: then to another meeting; where, 
through the renewings of pure love, we had a very 
comfortable season. 

Travelling up and down of late, I have had renew- 
ed evidences, that to be faithful to the Lord, and con- 
tent with his will concerning me, is a most necessary 
and useful lesson for me to jpe learning; looking less 
at the effects of my labour, than at the pure motion 
and reality of the concern, as it arises from heavenly 
love. In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength; 
and as the mind, by a humble resignation, is united 
to him, and we utter words from an invvard know- 
ledge that they arise from the heavenly spring, though 
our way may be difficult, and require close attention 
to keep in it; and though the manner in which we are 
led may tend to our own abasement; yet, if we con- 



TRAVELS IN VIRGINIA 67 

t-inue in patience and meekness, heavenly peace is the 
reward of our labours. 

From thence I went to Curies meeting; which, tho' 
small, was reviving to the honest-hearted. Thence 
to Black Creek and Caroline meetings; from whence, 
accompanied by William Standley, before-mentioned, 
we rode to Goose Creek, being much through the 
woods, and about one hundred miles. — We lodged 
the first night at a public house; the second, in the 
woods; and the next day we reached a friend's house 
at Goose Creek. In the woods we lay under some 
disadvantage, having no fireworks, nor bells for our 
horses: but we stopped a little before night and let 
them feed on the wild grass which was plenty; in the 
mean time cutting with our knives a store against 
night, and then tied them; and gathering some bushes 
under an oak, we lay down; but the musquetoes be- 
ing plenty and the ground damp; I slept but little. 

Thus lying in the wilderness, and looking at the 
stars, I was led to contemplate on the condition of our 
first parents, when they were sent forth from the gar- 
den. But the Almighty Being, though they had been 
disobedient, was a father to them; and way opened in 
process of time for all the conveniences of life. And 
he who by the gracious influence of his Spirit, illumi- 
nated their understanding, and showed them what 
was acceptable to Him, and tended to their true feli- 
city as intelligent creatures, did also provide means 
for their happy living in this world, as they attended 
to the manifestations of his wisdom. 

To provide things relative to our outward living, 
in the way of true wisdom, is good; and the gift of 
improving in things useful, is a good gift, and comes 
from the Father of lights. Many have had this gift; 
and, from age to age, there have been improvements 
of this kind made in the world. But some, not keep- 
ing to the pure gift, have, in the creaturely cunning 
and self-exaltation, sought out many inventions; which 
inventions of men, have been, and are distinct from 
that uprightness in which man was created: and as 



68 john woolman's journal. 1757 

the first motion of the departure from the pure gift, 
was evil, so the effects of it have been, and are evil. 
So that, at this day, it is as necessary for us constant- 
ly to attend on the heavenly gift, to be qualified to 
use rightly the good things in this life, amidst great 
improvements, as it was for our first parents, when 
they were without any improvements, without any 
friend or any father but God only. 

I was at a meeting at Goose Creek; and next at a 
monthly meeting at Fairfax; where, through the gra- 
cious dealings of the Almighty with us, his power 
prevailed over many hearts. Thence to Manoquacy 
and Pipe Creek, in Maryland; at both which places I 
had cause humbly to adore Him who supported me 
through many exercises, and by whose help I was en- 
abled to reach the true witness in the hearts of others: 
there were some hopeful young people in those parts. 
Thence I had meetings at John Event's, at Monallen, 
and at Huntington; and I was made humbly thankful 
to the Lord, who opened my heart amongst the peo- 
ple in these new settlements, so that it was a time of 
encouragement to the honest-minded. 

At Monallen, a Friend gave me some account of a 
religious society among the Dutch, called Mennonists; 
and amongst other things, related a passage in sub- 
stance as follows: — One of the Mennonists having ac- 
quaintance with a man of another society at a consid- 
erable distance, and being with his wagon on business 
near the house of his said acquaintance, and night com- 
ing on he had thoughts of putting up with him: but 
passing by his fields, and observing the distressed ap- 
pearance of his slaves, he kindled a fire in the woods 
hard by, and lay there that night. His said acquaint- 
ance hearing where he lodged, and afterward meet- 
ing the Mennonist, told him of it; adding, he should 
have been heartily welcome at his house; and from 
their acquaintance in former time, wondered at his 
conduct in that case. The Mennonist replied; "Ever 
since I lodged by thy field, I have wanted an oppor- 
tunity to speak with thee: the matter was, I intended 



TRAVELS IN VIRGINIA 69 

to have come to thy house for entertainment; but 
seeing thy slaves at their work, and observing the 
manner of their dress, I had no liking to come to par- 
take with thee." He then admonished him to use 
them with more humanky; and added, "As I lay by 
the fire that night, I thought that as I was a man of 
substance thou would have received me freely; but if 
I had been as poor as one of thy slaves, and had no 
power to help myself, I should have received from 
thy hand no kinder usage than they have." 

Hence I was at three meetings on my way; and so 
went home, under a humbling sense of the gracious 
dealings of the Lord with me, in preserving me thro' 
many trials and afflictions in my journey. I was out 
about two months, and travelled about eleven hundred 
and fifty miles. 



70 



CHAPTER V. 

Considerations on the payment of a tax, laid for carrying on the war 
against the Indians — Some notes on Thomas a Kempis and John 
Huss — Meetings of the committee of the Yearly Meeting at Phila- 
delphia — The present circumstances of Friends in Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey, very different from those of our predecessors — The 
draughting of the militia in New Jersey to serve in the army; with 
some observations on the state of the members of our society at that 
time — His visit to Friends in Pennsylvania, accompanied by Benja- 
min Jones — Proceedings at the Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly 
Meetings, in Philadelphia, respecting those who keep slaves. 

A few years past, money being made current in 
our province for carrying on wars, and to be called 
in again by taxes laid on the inhabitants, — my mind 
was often affected with the thoughts of paying such 
taxes; and I believe it right for me to preserve a me- 
morandum concerning it. I was told that Friends in 
England frequently paid taxes when the money was 
applied to such purposes. I had conversation with 
several noted Friends on the subject, who all favour- 
ed the payment of such taxes; some of whom I pre- 
ferred before myself, and this made me easier for a 
time: yet there was in the deeps of my mind, a scru- 
ple which I never could get over; and, at certain 
times, I was greatly distressed on that account. 

I all along believed that there were some upright- 
hearted men who paid such taxes; but could not see 
that their example was a sufficient reason for me to 
do so, while I believed that the spirit of Truth re- 
quired of me, as an individual, to suffer patiently the 
distress of goods, rather than pay actively. 

I have been informed that Thomas a Kempis lived 
and died in the profession of the Roman Catholic re- 
ligion: and in reading his writings, I have believed 
him to be a man of a true christian spirit; as fully so 
as many who died martyrs because they could not 
join with some superstitions in that church. 



john woolman's journal. 71 

All true christians are of the same spirit, but their 
gifts are diverse; Christ appointing to each one their 
peculiar office, agreeable to his infinite wisdom. 

John Huss contended against the errors crept into 
the church, in opposition to the Council of Constance; 
which the historian reports to have consisted of many- 
thousand persons. He modestly vindicated the cause 
which he believed was right: and though his language 
and conduct toward his judges appear to have been 
respectful, yet he never could be moved from the 
principles settled in his mind. To use his own 
words: "This I most humbly require and desire of 
you all, even for His sake who is the God of us all, 
that I be not compelled to the thing which my con- 
science doth repugn or strive against." And again, 
in his answer to the emperor: "I refuse nothing, most 
noble emperor, whatsoever the council shall decree 
or determine upon me, only this one thing I except, 
that I do not offend God and my conscience." Fox's 
Acts and Monuments, page 233. At length, rather 
than act contrary to that which he believed the Lord 
required of him, he chose to suffer death by fire. — 
Thomas a Kempis, without disputing against the arti- 
cles then generally agreed to, appears to have labour- 
ed, by a pious example as well as by preaching and 
writing, to promote virtue and the inward spiritual 
religion: and I believe they were both sincere-hearted 
followers of Christ. 

True charity is an excellent virtue: and sincerely 
to labour for their good, whose belief, in all points, 
doth not agree with ours, is a happy state. To refuse 
the active payment of a tax which our society gene- 
rally paid, was exceeding disagreeable; but to do a 
thing contrary to my conscience, appeared yet more 
dreadful. When this exercise came upon me, I knew 
of none under the like difficulty; and, in my distress, 
I besought the Lord to enable me to give up all, that 
so I might follow him wheresoever he was pleased to 
lead me: and under this exercise, I went to our Year- 
ly Meeting at Philadelphia, in the year 1755; at which 



72 John woolman's journal. 

a committee was appointed of some from each quar- 
ter, to correspond with the meeting for sufferings in 
London, and another to visit our monthly and Quar- 
terly meetings; and after their appointment, before 
the last adjournment of the meeting, it was agreed in 
the meeting that these two committees should meet 
together in Friends' school house in the city, at a 
time then concluded on, to consider some things in 
which the cause of Truth was concerned. And these 
committees meeting together, had a weighty confer- 
ence in the fear of the Lord; at which time I perceiv- 
ed there were many Friends under a scruple like that 
before mentioned. 

As scrupling to pay a tax on account of the appli- 
cation,* hath seldom been heard of heretofore, even 
amongst men of integrity, who have steadily borne 
their testimony against outward wars in their time; I 
may here note some things which have opened on 
my mind, as I have been inwardly exercised on that 
account. 

From the steady opposition which faithful Friends, 
in early times, made to wrong things then approved 
of, they were hated and persecuted by men living in 
the spirit of this world; and, suffering with firmness, 
they were made a blessing to the church, and the 
work prospered. It equally concerns men, in every 
age, to take heed to their own spirit: and in compar- 
ing their situation with ours, it looks to me there was 
less danger of their being infected with the spirit of 
this world, in paying their taxes, than there is of us 
now. They had little or no share in civil govern- 
ment neither legislative nor executive; and many of 
them declared they were, through the power of God, 
separated from the spirit in which wars were; and 
being afflicted by the rulers on account of their testi- 
mony, there was less likelihood of uniting in spirit 
with them in things inconsistent with the purity of 



* Christians refused to pay taxes to support heathen temples. See 
Primitive Christianity, part iii. page 327. 



john woolman's journal. 73 

Truth. We, from the first settlement of this land, 
have known little or no troubles of that sort. Their 
profession, for a time, was accounted reproachful; 
but at length, the uprightness of our predecessors 
being understood by the rulers, and their innocent 
sufferings moving them, our way of worship was to- 
lerated; and many of our members in these colonies 
became active in civil government. Being thus tried 
with favour and prosperity, this world hath appeared 
inviting; our minds have been turned to the improve- 
ment of our country, to merchandize and sciences; 
amongst which are many things useful, being follow- 
ed in pure wisdom; but, in our present condition, that 
a carnal mind is gaining upon us, I believe will not 
be denied. 

Some of our members who are officers in civil gov- 
ernment, are, in one case or other, called upon in their 
respective stations to assist in things relative to the 
wars; such being in doubt whether to act, or crave 
to be excused from their office, seeing their brethren 
united in the payment of a tax to carry on the said 
wars, might think their case not much different, and 
so quench the tender movings of the Holy Spirit in 
their minds; and thus, by small degrees, there might 
be an approach toward that of fighting, till we came 
so near it, as that the distinction would be little else 
but the name of a peaceable people. 

It requires great self-denial and resignation of our- 
selves to God, to attain that state wherein we can free- 
ly cease from fighting when wrongfully invaded; if, 
by our fighting, there were a probability of overcom- 
ing the invaders. Whoever rightly attains to it, does, 
in some degree, feel that spirit in which our Redeem- 
er gave his life for us: and, through Divine goodness, 
many of our predecessors, and many now living, have 
learned this blessed lesson; but many others, having 
their religion chiefly by education, and not being 
enough acquainted with that cross which crucifies to 
the world, do manifest a temper distinguishable from 
that of an entire trust in God. 
7 



74 JOHN woolman's journal. 1757 

In calmly considering these things, it hath not ap- 
peared strange to me, that an exercise hath now fallen 
upon some, which, as to the outward means of it, is 
different from what was known to many of those who 
went before us. 

Some time after the Yearly Meeting, a day being 
appointed, and letters wrote to distant members, the 
said committees met at Philadelphia; and by adjourn- 
ments, continued several days. The calamities of war 
were now increasing; the frontier inhabitants of Penn- 
sylvania were frequently surprised, some slain, and 
many taken captive by the Indians: and while these 
committees sat, the corpse of one so slain was brought 
in a wagon, and taken through the streets of the city, 
in his bloody garments, to alarm the people, and rouse 
them up to war. 

Friends thus met were not all of one mind in rela- 
tion to the tax; which, to such who scrupled it, made 
the way more difficult. To refuse an active payment 
at such a time, might be construed an act of disloyal- 
ty, and appeared likely to displease the rulers, not 
only here but in England; still there was a scruple so 
fastened upon the minds of many Friends, that nothing 
moved it. It was a conference the most weighty that 
ever I was at; and the hearts of many were bowed in 
reverence before the Most High. Some Friends of 
the said committees who appeared easy to pay the tax, 
after several adjournments, withdrew; others of them 
continued till the last. At length, an epistle of ten- 
der love and caution to Friends in Pennsylvania, was 
drawn by some Friends concerned on that account; 
which being read several times and corrected, was 
then signed by such of them as were free to sign it, 
and afterward sent to the monthly and Quarterly 
meetings. 

On the 9th day of the 8th month, 1757, at night, 
orders came to the military officers in our county, 
(Burlington) directing them to draft the militia, and 
prepare a number of men to go off as soldiers, to the 
relief of the English at Fort William Henry, in New 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 75 

York government: a few days after which, there was 
a general review of the militia at Mount Holly, and 
a number of men chosen and sent off under some offi- 
cers. Shortly after, there came orders to draught 
three times as many, to hold themselves in readiness 
to march when fresh orders came: and on the 17th 
day of the 8th month, there was a meeting of the 
military officers at Mount Holly, who agreed on a 
draught; and orders were sent to the men so chosen. 
to meet their respective captains at set times and 
places; those in our township to meet at Mount Hol- 
ly; amongst whom were a considerable number of our 
society. 

My mind being affected herewith, I had fresh op- 
portunity to see and consider the advantage of living 
in the real substance of religion, where practice doth 
harmonize with principle. Amongst the officers are 
men of understanding, who have some regard to sin- 
cerity where they see it: and in the execution of their 
office, when they have men to deal with whom they 
believe to be upright-hearted, to put them to trouble 
on account of scruples of conscience, is a painful task, 
and likely to be avoided as much as easily may be: 
but where men profess to be so meek and heavenly- 
minded, and to have their trust so firmly settled in 
God, that they cannot join in wars; and yet, by their 
spirit and conduct in common life, manifest a contrary 
disposition, their difficulties are great at such a time. 
Officers in great anxiety endeavouring to get troops 
to answer the demands of their superiors, seeing men 
who are insincere, pretend scruple of conscience, in 
hopes of being excused from a dangerous employment, 
they are likely to be roughly handled. 

In this time of commotion, some of our young men 
left the parts, and tarried abroad till it was over; some 
came and proposed to go as soldiers; others appeared 
to have a real tender scruple in their minds against 
joining in wars, and were much humbled under the 
apprehension of a trial so near: I had conversation 
with several of them to my satisfaction. At the set 



76 john woolman's journal. 1758 

time when the captain came to town, some of those 
last mentioned went and toJd him in substance as fol- 
lows: — That they could not bear arms for conscience 
sake; nor could they hire any to go in their places, 
being resigned as to the event of it. At length, the 
captain acquainted them all, that they might return 
home for the present, and required them to provide 
themselves as soldiers, and to be in readiness to march 
when called upon. 

This was such a time as I had not seen before; and 
yet I may say, with thankfulness to the Lord, that I 
believe this trial was intended for our good; and I was 
favoured with resignation to him. The French army 
taking the fort they were besieging, destroyed it and 
went away; the company of men first draughted, after 
some days march, had orders to return home; and 
those on the second draught were no more called upon 
on that occasion. 

On the 4th day of the 4th month, 175S, orders came 
to some officers in Mount Holly, to prepare quarters 
a short time for about one hundred soldiers. And an 
officer and two other men, all inhabitants of our town, 
came to my house; and the officer told me that he 
came to speak with me to provide lodging and enter- 
tainment for two soldiers, there being six shillings a 
week per man allowed as pay for it. The case being 
new and unexpected, I made no answer suddenly; but 
sat a time silent, my mind being inward. I was fully 
convinced, that the proceedings in wars are inconsis- 
tent with the purity of the christian religion; and to 
be hired to entertain men who were then under pay 
as soldiers, was a difficulty with me. I expected they 
had legal authority for what they did; and after a short 
time, I said to the officer, if the men are sent here for 
entertainment, I believe I shall not refuse to admit 
them into my house; but the nature of the case is 
such, that I expect I cannot keep them on hire. One 
of the men intimated that he thought I might do it 
consistent with my religious principles; to which I 
made no reply; as believing silence, at that time, best 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 77 

for me. Though they spake of two, there came only 
one, who tarried at my house about two weeks, and 
behaved himself civilly; and when the officer came to 
pay me, I told him I could not take pay for it, having 
admitted him into my house in a passive obedience to 
authority. I was on horseback when he spake to me; 
and as I turned from him, he said he was obliged to 
me: to which I said nothing; but thinking on the ex- 
pression, I grew uneasy; and afterwards, being near 
where he lived, I went and told him on what grounds 
I refused taking pay for keeping the soldier. 

Near the beginning of the year 1758, I went one 
evening, in company with a friend, to visit a sick per- 
son; and before our return, we were told of a woman 
living near, who, of late, had several days been dis- 
consolate, occasioned by a dream; wherein death, and 
the judgments of the Almighty after death, were re- 
presented to her mind in a moving manner: her sad- 
ness, on that account, being worn off, the friend with 
whom I was in company went to see her, and had 
some religious conversation with her and her hus- 
band. With this visit they were somewhat affected; 
and the man in particular, with many tears, expressed 
his satisfaction; and in a short time after, the poor man 
being on the river in a storm of wind, he, with one 
more, was drowned. 

In the 8th month, 1758, having had drawings in my 
mind to be at the Quarterly meeting in Chester coun- 
ty, and at some meetings in Philadelphia county, I 
went first to said Quarterly meeting, which was large; 
and several weighty matters came under consideration 
and debate; and the Lord was pleased to qualify some 
of his servants with strength and firmness, to bear the 
burden of the day. Though I said but little, my mind 
was deeply exercised; and, under a sense of God's 
love in the anointing and fitting of some young men 
for his work, I was comforted, and my heart was ten- 
dered before him. From hence I went to the youth's 
meeting at Darby, where my beloved friend and bro- 
ther, Benjamin Jones, met me by an agreement made* 
7 * 



78 john woolman's journal. 1758 

before I left home, to join in the visit; and we were 
at Radnor, Merion, Richland, North Wales, Ply- 
mouth, and Abington meetings: and had cause to bow 
in reverence before the Lord our gracious God, by 
whose help way was opened for us from day to day. 
I was out about two weeks, and rode about two 
hundred miles. 

The monthly meeting of Philadelphia having been 
under a concern on account of some Friends, who this 
summer (1758) had bought negro slaves; the said 
meeting moved it to their Quarterly meeting, to have 
the minute reconsidered in the Yearly Meeting, which 
was made last on that subject: and the said Quarterly 
meeting appointed a committee to consider it and re- 
port to their next. Which committee having met 
once and adjourned; and I going to Philadelphia to 
meet a committee of the Yearly Meeting, was in 
town the evening on which the Quarterly meeting's 
committee met the second time; and finding an incli- 
nation to sit with them, was, with some others, admit- 
ted: and Friends had a weighty conference on the 
subject. Soon after their next Quarterly meeting, I 
heard that the case was coming to our Yearly Meet- 
ing; which brought a weighty exercise upon me; and 
under a sense of my own infirmities, and the great 
danger I felt of turning aside from perfect purity, my 
mind was often drawn to retire alone, and put up my 
prayers to the Lord, that he would be graciously 
pleased so to strengthen me, that, setting aside all 
views of self-interest and the friendship of this world, 
I might stand fully resigned to his holy will. 

In this Yearly Meeting, several weighty matters 
were considered; and toward the last, that in relation 
to dealing with persons who purchase slaves. During 
the several sittings of the said meeting, my mind was 
frequently covered with inward prayer; and I could 
say with David, that " tears were my meat day and 
night." The case of slave-keeping lay heavy upon 
me; nor did I find any engagement to speak directly 
to any other matter before the meeting. Now when 



JOHN woolman's journal. 79 

this case was opened, several faithful Friends spake 
weightily thereto, with which I was comforted: and 
feeling a concern to cast in my mite, I said in sub- 
stance, as follows: 

In the difficulties attending us in this life, nothing 
is more precious than the mind of Truth inwardly 
manifested; and it is my earnest desire, that in this 
weighty matter we may be so truly humbled as to be 
favoured with a clear understanding of the mind of 
Truth, and follow it: this would be of more advan- 
tage to the society, than any medium not in the 
clearness of Divine wisdom. The case is difficult to 
some who have them: but if such set aside all self-in- 
terest, and come to be weaned from the desire of get- 
ting estates, or even from holding them together when 
Truth requires the contrary, I believe way will open, 
that they will know how to steer through those diffi- 
culties. 

Many Friends appeared to be deeply bowed under 
the weight of the work; and manifested much firm- 
ness in their love to the cause of Truth and universal 
righteousness in the earth. And though none did 
openly justify the practice of slave-keeping in gene- 
ral, yet some appeared concerned, lest the meeting 
should go into such measures as might give uneasi- 
ness to many brethren; alledging, that if Friends pa- 
tiently continued under the exercise, the Lord, in 
time to come, might open a way for the deliverance 
of these people; and I, finding an engagement to 
speak, said, My mind is often led to consider the pu- 
rity of the Divine Being, and the justice of his judg- 
ments; and herein my soul is covered with awful- 
ness. I cannot omit to hint of some cases, where peo- 
ple have not been treated with the purity of justice, 
and the event hath been lamentable. Many slaves 
on this continent are oppressed, and their cries have 
reached the ears of the Most High! Such are the pu- 
rity and certainty of his judgments, that he cannot be 
partial in our favour. In infinite love and goodness, 



80 JOHN woolman's journal. 1758 

he hath opened our understandings from one time to 
another, concerning our duty toward this people; and 
it is not a time for delay. Should we now be sensi- 
ble of what he requires of us, and through a respect 
to the private interest of some persons, or through a 
regard to some friendships which do not stand on an 
immutable foundation, — neglect to do our duty in 
firmness and constancy, still waiting for some extra- 
ordinary means to bring about their deliverance; it 
may be that by terrible things in righteousness, God 
may answer us in this matter. 

Many faithful brethren laboured with great firm- 
ness; and the love of Truth, in a good degree, pre- 
vailed. Several Friends who had negroes, expressed 
their desire that a rule might be made, to deal with 
such Friends as offenders who bought slaves in future. 
To this it was answered, that the root of this evil 
would not be removed from amongst us, until a close 
inquiry was made into the circumstances of such 
Friends who kept negroes, with respect to the righ- 
teousness of their motives in keeping them; so that 
impartial justice might be administered throughout. 
Several Friends expressed their desire, that a visit 
might be made to such Friends who kept slaves: and 
many Friends said that they believed liberty was the 
negroes right; to which, at length, no opposition was 
made publicly. A minute was made more full on 
that subject, than any heretofore; and the names of 
several Friends entered, who were free to join in a 
visit to such who had slaves. 



SI 



CHAPTER VI. 

His visiting the Quarterly meetings in Chester county; and afterwards 
joining with Daniel Stanton and John Scarbrough, in a visit to such 
as kept slaves there — Some observations on the conduct such should 
maintain who are concerned to speak in meetings for discipline — 
Several more visits to such who kept slaves; and to Friends near Sa- 
lem — Some account of the Yearly Meeting in the year 1759 ; and 
of the increasing concern in divers provinces, to labour against buy- 
ing and keeping slaves — The Yearly Meeting epistle — His thoughts 
on the small-pox spreading — and on inoculation. 

On the 1 1th day of the 1 1th month, 1758, I set out 
for Concord; the Quarterly meeting, heretofore held 
there, was now, by reason of a great increase of mem- 
bers, divided into two by the agreement of Friends 
at our last Yearly Meeting. Here I met with our be- 
loved friends, Samuel Spavold and Mary Kirby from 
England, and with Joseph White from Bucks county, 
who had taken leave of his family in order to go on a 
religious visit to Friends in England; and, through 
Divine goodness, we were favoured with a strength- 
ening opportunity together. 

After this meeting I joined with my friends Daniel 
Stanton and John Scarbrough, in visiting Friends who 
had slaves; and at night we had a family meeting at 
William Trimble's, many young people being there; 
and it was a precious reviving opportunity. Next 
morning we had a comfortable sitting with a sick 
neighbour; and thence to the burial of the corpse of a 
Friend at Uwchlan meeting, at which were many peo- 
ple, and it was a time of Divine favour; after which 
we visited some who had slaves. The next day we 
visited several others who had slaves, and at night 
had a family sitting at our friend Aaron Ashbridge's, 
where the channel of gospel love was opened, and my 
mind was comforted after a hard day's labour. The 
next day we were at Goshen monthly meeting; and 
then, on the 18th of the 11th month, attended the 



82 john woolman's journal. 1758 

Quarterly meeting at London Grove, it being the first 
held at that place. Here we met again with all the 
before-mentioned Friends, and had some edifying 
meetings: and near the conclusion of the meeting for 
business, Friends were incited to constancy in sup- 
porting the testimony of Truth, and reminded of the 
necessity which the servants of God are under to at- 
tend principally to his business, as he is pleased to 
open it to us; and to be particularly careful to have 
our minds redeemed from the love of wealth; to have 
our outward affairs in as little room as may be; so 
that no temporal concerns may entangle our affec- 
tions, or hinder us from diligently following the dic- 
tates of Truth, in labouring to promote the pure spirit 
of meekness and heavenly mindedness amongst the 
children of men, in these days of calamity and dis- 
tress, wherein God is visiting our land with his just 
judgments. 

Each of these Quarterly meetings was large, and sat 
near eight hours. Here I had occasion to consider 
that it is a weighty thing to speak much in large meet-, 
ings for business: for, except our minds are rightly 
prepared, and we clearly understand the ease we speak 
to, instead of forwarding, we hinder business, and 
make more labour for those on whom the burden of 
the work is laid. 

In selfish views, or party spirit, have any room in 
our minds, we are unfit for the Lord's work: if we 
have a clear prospect of the business, and proper 
weight on our minds to speak, it behoves us to avoid 
useless apologies and repetitions. Where people are 
gathered from far, and adjourning a meeting of busi- 
ness is attended with great difficulty, it behoves all to 
be cautious how they detain a meeting; especially 
when they have sat six or seven hours, and have a 
good way to ride home. After this meeting I went 
home. 

In the beginning of the 12th month, 1758, I joined 
in company with my friends, John Sykes and Daniel 
Stanton, in visiting such who had slaves. Some, 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 83 

whose hearts were rightly exercised about them, ap- 
peared to be glad of our visit; but in some places our 
way was more difficult; and I often saw the necessity 
of keeping down to that root from whence our con- 
cern proceeded; and have cause, in reverent thankful- 
ness, humbly to bow down before the Lord, who was 
near to me 5 and preserved my mind in calmness un- 
der some sharp conflicts, and begat a spirit of sympa- 
thy and tenderness in me, toward some who were 
grievously entangled by the spirit of this world. 

In the 1st month, 1759, having found my mind 
drawn to visit some of the more active members in 
our society at Philadelphia, who had slaves, I met 
my friend John Churchman there by an agreement; 
and we continued about a week in the city. We vi- 
sited some that were sick, and some widows and their 
families; and the other part of our time was mostly 
employed in visiting such who had slaves — It was a 
time of deep exercise; looking often to the Lord for 
his assistance; who, in unspeakable kindness, favour- 
ed us with the influence of that spirit which crucifies 
to the greatness and splendor of this world, and en- 
abled us to go through some heavy labours; in which 
we found peace. 

On the 24th of the 3d month, 1759, I was at our 
general Spring meeting at Philadelphia: at which were 
William Reckitt and John Storer, from England. — 
After this meeting I again joined with John Church- 
man, in a visit to some more who had slaves in Phila- 
delphia; and, with thankfulness to our heavenly Fa- 
ther, I may say, that Divine love and a true sympa- 
thizing tenderness of heart prevailed at times in this 
service. 

Having, at times, perceived a shyness in some 
Friends of considerable note, towards me, I found an 
engagement in gospel love to pay a visit to one of 
them; and as I dwelt under the exercise, I felt a re- 
signedness in my mind to go. So I went, and told 
him in private I had a desire to have an opportunity 
with him alone; to which he readily agreed. And 



S4 John woolman's journal. 1759 

then in the fear of the Lord, things relating to that 
shyness were searched to the bottom; and we had a 
large conference which, I believe, was of use to both 
of us; and am thankful that way was opened for it. 

On the 14th of the 6th month, 1759, having felt 
drawings in my mind to visit Friends about Salem; 
and having the approbation of our monthly meeting 
therein, I attended their Quarterly meeting, and was 
out seven days, and at seven meetings: in some of 
which I was chiefly silent, and in others, through the 
baptizing power of Truth, my heart was enlarged in 
heavenly love, and I found a near fellow-feeling with 
the brethren and sisters, in the manifold trials attend- 
ing their christian progress through this world. 

In the 7th month, I found an increasing concern on 
my mind to visit some active members in our society 
who had slaves: and having no opportunity of the 
company of such who were named on the minutes of 
the Yearly Meeting, I went alone to their houses, and 
in the fear of the Lord, acquainted them with the ex- 
ercise I was under: and thus, sometimes by a few 
words, I found myself discharged from a heavy bur- 
den. 

After this, our friend John Churchman coming into 
our province with a view to be at some meetings, and 
to join again in the visit to those who had slaves, I 
bore him company in the said visit to some active 
members, and found inward satisfaction. 

At our Yearly Meeting in the year 1759, we had 
some weighty seasons; where the power of Truth was 
largely extended, to the strengthening of the honest- 
minded. As Friends read over the epistles, to be 
sent to the Yearly Meetings along this continent, I 
observed in most of them, both this year and last, it 
was recommended to Friends to labour against buy- 
ing and keeping slaves; and in some of them closely 
treated upon. As this practice hath long been a heavy 
exercise to me, and I have often waded through mor- 
tifying labours on that account; and at times, in some 
meetings been almost alone therein; now, observing 



JOHN WOOLMAX'S JOURNAL. 85 

the increasing concern in our religious society, and 
seeing how the Lord was raising up and qualifying 
servants for his work, not only in this respect, but 
for promoting the cause of Truth in general, I was 
humbly bowed in thankfulness before him. 

This meeting continued near a week; and for se- 
veral days in the fore part of it, my mind was drawn 
into a deep inward stillness; — and being, at times, 
covered with the spirit of supplication, my heart was 
secretly poured out before the Lord. And near the 
conclusion of the meeting for business, way opened, 
so that, in the pure flo wings of Divine love, I ex- 
pressed what lay upon me; which, as it then arose in 
my mind, was first to show how deep answers to deep 
in the hearts of the sincere and upright; though, in 
their different growths they may not all have attain- 
ed to the same clearness in some points relating to 
our testimony. And I was led to mention the integ- 
rity and constancy of many martyrs, who gave their 
lives for the testimony of Jesus; and yet, in some 
points, held doctrines distinguishable from some which 
we hold: and that, in all ages, where people were 
faithful to the light and understanding which the 
Most High afforded them, they found acceptance with 
him: and that now, though there are different ways 
of thinking amongst us in some particulars, yet, if we 
mutually kept to that spirit and power which cruci- 
fies to the world, which teaches us to be content with 
things really needful, and to avoid all superfluities, 
giving up our hearts to fear and serve the Lord, true 
unity may still be preserved amongst us. And that 
if such, who were, at times, under sufferings on ac- 
count of some scruples of conscience, kept low and 
humble, and in their conduct in life manifested a spi- 
rit of true charity; it would be more likely to reach 
the witness in others, and be of more service in the 
church, than if their sufferings were attended with a 
contrary spirit and conduct. In which exercise I was 
drawn into a sympathizing tenderness with the sheep 
of Christ, however distinguished one from another in 



86 john woolman's journal. 1759 

this world; and the like disposition appeared to spread 
over others in the meeting. Great is the goodness 
of the Lord toward his poor creatures. 

An epistle went forth from this 1 early Meeting, 
which I think good to give a place in this 'Journal; 
being as follows: 

From the Yearly Meeting held at Philadelphia, 
for Pennsylvania and New Jersey, from, the 22d 
day of the 9th month, to the 28th of the same, 
inclusive, 1759. 

To the Quarterly and monthly meetings of Friends 
belonging to the said Yearly Meeting. 

Dearly beloved friends and brethren, — 

In an awful sense of the wisdom and goodness of 
the Lord our God, whose tender mercies have long 
been continued to us in this land, we affectionately 
salute you; with sincere and fervent desires, that we 
may reverently regard the dispensations of his provi- 
dence, and improve under them. 

The empires and kingdoms of the earth are subject 
to his Almighty power. He is the God of the spirits 
of all flesh; and deals with his people agreeable to that 
wisdom, the depth whereof is to us unsearchable. — 
We, in these provinces, may say, He hath, as a gra- 
cious and tender parent, dealt bountifully with us, 
even from the days of our fathers. It was He who 
strengthened them to labour through the difficulties 
attending the improvement of a wilderness, and made 
way for them in the hearts of the natives; so that by 
them they were comforted in times of want and dis- 
tress; it was by the gracious influences of his holy spi- 
rit, that they were disposed to work righteousness, 
and to walk uprightly one towards another, and to- 
wards the natives; and in life and conversation to 
manifest the excellency of the principles and doctrines 
of the christian religion; and thereby they retain their 



JOHN woolman's journal. 87 

esteem and friendship. Whilst they were labouring 
for the necessaries of life, many of them were fer- 
vently engaged to promote piety and virtue in the 
earth, and to educate their children in the fear of the 
Lord. 

If we carefully consider the peaceable measures pur- 
sued in the first settlement of the land, and that free- 
dom from the desolations of wars, which for a long 
time we enjoyed, we shall find ourselves under strong 
obligations to the Almighty, who, when the earth is 
so generally polluted with wickedness, gave us a be- 
ing in a part so signally favoured with tranquillity 
and plenty; and in which the glad tidings of the gos- 
pel of Christ are so freely published, that we may 
justly say with the psalmist, "What shall we render 
unto the Lord for all his benefits !" 

Our own real good, and the good of our posterity, 
in some measure depends on the part we act; and it 
nearly concerns us to try our foundations impartially. 
Such are the different rewards of the just and unjust 
in a future state, that to attend diligently to the dic- 
tates of the spirit of Christ, to devote ourselves to 
his service, and engage fervently in his cause, dur- 
ing our short stay in this world, is a choice well be- 
coming a free intelligent creature; we shall thus clear- 
ly see and consider that the dealings of God with man- 
kind in a national capacity, as recorded in holy writ, 
do sufficiently evidence the truth of that saying, "It 
is righteousness which exalteth a nation." And tho' 
he doeth not at all times suddenly execute his judg- 
ments on a sinful people in this life, yet we see by 
many instances, that where "men follow lying vani- 
ties, they forsake their own mercies:' 7 and as a proud, 
selfish spirit prevails and spreads among a people, so 
partial judgment, oppression, discord, envy and con- 
fusions increase, and provinces and kingdoms are made 
to drink the cup of adversity as a reward of their own 
doings. Thus the inspired prophet, reasoning with 
the degenerated Jews, saith, "Thine own wickedness 
shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove 



SS john woolman's journal. 1759 

thee: know therefore, that it is an evil thing and bit- 
ter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, and 
that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of 
hosts." Jer. ii. 19. 

The God of our fathers, who hath bestowed on us 
many benefits, furnished a table for us in the wilder- 
ness, and made the deserts and solitary places to re- 
joice; he doth now mercifully call upon us to serve 
him more faithfully. We may truly say with the pro- 
phet, "It is his voice which crieth to the city, and 
men of wisdom see his name. They regard the rod, 
and him who hath appointed it." 

People who look chiefly at things outward, too lit- 
tle consider the original cause of the present troubles; 
but such who fear the Lord, and think often upon his 
name, they see and feel that a wrong spirit is spread- 
ing among the inhabitants of our country; — that the 
hearts of many are waxed fat, and their ears dull of 
hearing; — that the Most High, in his visitations to us, 
instead of calling, he lifteth up his voice and crieth; 
he crieth to our country, and his voice waxeth louder 
and louder. 

In former wars between the English and other na- 
tions, since the settlement of our provinces, the cala- 
mities attending them have fallen chiefly on other 
places, but now of late they have reached to our bor- 
ders: many of our fellow subjects have suffered on 
and near our frontiers; some have been slain in battle, 
some killed in their houses, and some in their fields, 
some wounded and left in great misery, and others se- 
parated from their wives and little children, who have 
been carried captives among the Indians. We have 
seen men and women who have been witnesses of 
these scenes of sorrow, and being reduced to want, 
have come to our houses asking relief. — It is not long 
since it was the case of many young men in one of 
these provinces to be draughted, in order to be ta- 
ken as soldiers: some were at that time in great dis- 
tress, and had occasion to consider that their lives had 
been too little conformable to the purity and spiritual- 



JOHN woolman's journal. 89 

ity of that religion which we profess, and found them- 
selves too little acquainted with that inward humility, 
in which true fortitude to endure hardness for the 
Truth's sake is experienced. — Many parents were 
concerned for their children, and in that time of trial 
were led to consider, that their care to get outward 
treasure for them, had been greater than their care for 
their settlement in that religion which crucifieth to 
the world, and enableth to bear a clear testimony to 
the peaceable government of the Messiah. These 
troubles are removed, and for a time we are released 
from them. 

Let us not forget that "the Most High hath his 
way in the deep, in clouds and in thick darkness" — 
that it is his voice which crieth to the city and to the 
country; and, Oh! that these loud and awakening 
cries, may have a proper effect upon us, that heavier 
chastisement may not become necessary! For though 
things, as to the outward, may, for a short time, af- 
ford a pleasing prospect; yet while a selfish spirit that 
is not subject to the cross of Christ, continueth to 
spread and prevail, there can be no long continuance 
in outward peace and tranquillity. If we desire an 
inheritance incorruptible, and to be at rest in that 
state of peace and happiness which ever continues; — 
if we desire in this life to dwell under the favour and 
protection of that Almighty Being, whose habitation 
is in holiness, whose ways are all equal, and whose 
anger is now kindled because of our backslidings; let 
us then awfully regard these beginnings of his sore 
judgments, and with abasement and humiliation turn 
to Him whom we have offended. 

Contending with one equal in strength is an uneasy 
exercise: but if the Lord is become our enemy, — if 
we persist to contend with Him who is omnipotent, 
our overthrow will be unavoidable. 

Do we feel an affectionate regard to posterity; and 
are we employed to promote their happiness? Do 
our minds, in things outward, look beyond our own 
8* 



90 john woolman's journal. 1759 

dissolution; and are we contriving for the prosper- 
ity of our children after us? Let us then, like wise 
builders, lay the foundation deep; and by our constant 
uniform regard to an inward piety and virtue, let 
them see that we really value it. Let us labour, in 
the fear of the Lord, that their innocent minds, while 
young and tender, may be preserved from corrup- 
tions; — that as they advance in age, they may right- 
ly understand their true interest, — may consider the 
uncertainty of temporal things, and above all, have 
their hope and confidence firmly settled in the bless- 
ing of that Almighty Being, who inhabits eternity, 
and preserves and supports the world. 

In all our cares about worldly treasures, let us 
steadily bear in mind, that riches possessed by chil- 
dren who do not truly serve God, are likely to prove 
snares, that may more grievously entangle them in 
that spirit of selfishness and exaltation, which stands 
in opposition to real peace and happiness; and renders 
them enemies to the cross of Christ, who submit to 
the influence of it. 

To keep a watchful eye towards real objects of cha- 
rity, — to visit the poor in their lonesome dwelling 
places, — to comfort them who, through the dispensa- 
tions of Divine Providence, are in strait and painful 
circumstances in this life, — and steadily to endeavour 
to honour God with our substance, from a real sense 
of the love of Christ influencing our minds thereto, — 
is more likely to bring a blessing to our children, and 
will afford more satisfaction to a christian favoured 
with plenty, than an earnest desire to collect much 
wealth to leave behind us; for "here we have no 
continuing city:" may we therefore diligently "seek 
one that is to come, whose builder and maker is 
God." 

" Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, 
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are 
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things 
are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 91 

any praise, think on these things and do them, and 
the God of peace shall be with you." 

Signed by appointment, and on behalf of our said 
meeting, by 

MoRDECAI YARNALL, 

Thomas Massey, 
John Churchman, 
John Scarbrough, 
Peter Fearon, 
Thomas Evans, 
Joseph Parker. 

On the 28th day of the 11th month, 1759, I was at 
the Quarterly meeting in Bucks count}'; this day be- 
ing the meeting of ministers and elders, my heart was 
enlarged in the love of Jesus Christ; and the favour 
of the Most High was extended to us in that and the 
ensuing meeting. 

I had conversation, at my lodging, with my belov- 
ed friend Samuel Eastburn; who expressed a concern 
to join in a visit to some Friends in that county, who 
had negroes; and as I had felt a draught in my mind 
to that work in the said county, I came home and put 
things in order. On the 11th of the 12th month fol- 
lowing, I went over the river; and on the next day 
was at Buckingham meeting; where, through the de- 
scendings of heavenly dew, my mind was comforted 
and drawn into a near unity with the flock of Christ. 

Entering upon this visit appeared weighty: and be- 
fore I left home my mind was often sad; under which 
exercise I felt, at times, the Holy Spirit which helps 
our infirmities; through which, in private, my pray- 
ers were at times put up to God, that he would be 
pleased to purge me from all selfishness, so that I 
might be strengthened to discbarge my duty faithful- 
ly, how hard soever to the natural part. We proceed- 
ed on the visit in a weighty frame of spirit, and went 
to the houses of the most active members, throughout 
the county, who had negroes; and through the good- 
ness of the Lord, my mind was preserved in resigna- 



92 john woolman's journal. 1759 

tion in times of trial; and though the work was hard 
to nature, yet through the strength of that love which 
is stronger than death, tenderness of heart was often 
felt amongst us in our visits, and we parted from 
several families with greater satisfaction than we ex- 
pected. 

We visited Joseph White's family, he being in 
England; had also a family sitting at the house of an 
elder who bore us company; and were at Makefield 
on a first-day. At all which times my heart was tru- 
ly thankful to the Lord, who was graciously pleased 
to renew his loving kindness to us, his poor servants, 
uniting us together in his work. 

In the winter of this year, the small-pox being in 
our town, and many being inoculated, of which a few- 
died, some things were opened in my mind, which I 
wrote as follows: 

The more fully our lives are conformable to the 
will of God, the better it is for us. I have looked 
on the small-pox as a messenger from the Almighty, 
to be an assistant in the cause of virtue, and to incite 
us to consider whether we employ our time only in 
such things as are consistent with perfect wisdom and 
goodness. 

Building houses suitable to dwell in, for ourselves 
and our creatures; — preparing clothing suitable for 
the climate and season, and food convenient, — are all 
duties incumbent on us: and under these general 
heads, are many branches of business, in which we 
may venture health and life, as necessity may require. 

This disease being in a house, and my business 
calling me to go near it, it incites me to think whe- 
ther this business is a real indispensable duty; — whe- 
ther it is not in conformity to some custom, which 
would be better laid aside; — or whether it does not 
proceed from too eager a pursuit after some outward 
treasure. If the business before me springs not from 
a clear understanding, and a regard to that use of 
things which perfect wisdom approves; to be brought 



john woolman's journal. 93 

to a sense of it and stopped in my pursuit, is a kind- 
ness: for when I proceed to business without some 
evidence of duty, I have found by experience, that it 
tends to weakness. 

If I am so situated that there appears no probability 
of missing the infection, it tends to make me think 
whether my manner of life, in things outward, has 
nothing in it which may unfit my body to receive this 
messenger in a way the most favourable to me. Do 
I use food and drink in no other sort, and in no other 
degree, than was designed by Him, who gave these 
creatures for our sustenance? Do I never abuse my 
body by inordinate labour, striving to accomplish 
some end which I have unwisely proposed? Do I 
use action enough in some useful employ? Or do I 
sit too much idle, while some persons who labour to 
support me, have too great a share of it? If, in any 
of these things, I am deficient, to be incited to con- 
sider it, is a favour to me. 

There is employ necessary in social life; and this 
infection, which often proves mortal, incites me to 
think whether these social acts of mine are real du- 
ties. If I go on a visit to the widows and fatherless, 
do I go purely on a principle of charity, free from 
every selfish view? If I go to a religious meeting, it 
puts me on thinking whether I go in sincerity and in 
a clear sense of duty; or whether it is not partly in 
conformity to custom, or partly from a sensible de- 
light which my animal spirits feel in the company of 
other people; and whether to support my reputation 
as a religious man, has no share in it. 

Do affair^, relating to civil society, call me near 
this infection? If I go, it is at the hazard of my health 
and life; and becomes me to think seriously, whether 
love to truth and righteousness is the motive of my 
attending; — whether the manner of proceeding is al- 
together equitable; — -or whether aught of narrowness, 
party interest, respect to outward dignities, names, or 
distinctions among men, do not stain the beauty of 
those assemblies, and render it doubtful, in point of 



94 john woolman's journal. 1759 

duty, whether a disciple of Christ ought to attend as 
a member united to the body or not. 

Whenever there are blemishes which for a series of 
time remain such, that which is a means of stirring 
us up to look attentively on these blemishes, and to 
labour according to our capacities, to have health and 
soundness restored in our country, we may justly ac- 
count a kindness from our gracious Father, who ap- 
pointed that mean. 

The care of a wise and good man for his only son, 
is inferior to the regard of the great Parent of the 
universe for his creatures. He hath the command of 
all the powers and operations in nature; and "doth 
not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." 
Chastisement is intended for instruction; and instruc- 
tion being received by gentle chastisement, greater 
calamities are prevented. 

By an earthquake hundreds of houses are some- 
times shaken down in a few minutes, and multitudes 
of people perish suddenly; and many more, being 
crushed and bruised in the ruins of the buildings, 
pine away and die in great misery. 

By the breaking in of enraged, merciless armies, 
flourishing countries have been laid waste, and great 
numbers of people perished in a short time, and ma- 
ny more pressed with poverty and grief. 

By the pestilence people have died so fast in a city, 
that through fear, grief, and confusion, those in health 
have found great difficulty in burying the dead, even 
without coffins. 

By famine great numbers of people, in some places, 
have been brought to the utmost distress, and pined 
away for want of the necessaries of life. Thus, where 
the kind invitations and gentle chastisements of a gra- 
cious God have not been attended to, his sore judg- 
ments have at times been poured out upon people. 

While some rules approved in civil society, and 
conformable to human policy, so called, are distin- 
guishable from the purity of Truth and righteous- 
ness; — while many professing Truth are declining 



john woolman's JOURNAL. 95 

from that ardent love and heavenly mindedness, which 
was amongst the primitive followers of Jesus Christ; — 
it is a time for us to attend diligently to the intent of 
every chastisement, and consider the most deep and 
inward design of them. 

The Most High doth not often speak with an out- 
ward voice to our outward ears; but if we humbly 
meditate on his perfections, consider that he is per- 
fect wisdom and goodness, and to afflict his creatures 
to no purpose would be utterly reverse to his nature, — 
we shall hear and understand his language, both in 
his gentle and more heavy chastisements; and take 
heed that we do not, in the wisdom of this world, 
endeavour to escape his hand by means too powerful 
for us. 

Had he endowed men with understanding to hin- 
der the force of this disease by innocent means, which 
had never proved mortal nor hurtful to our bodies, — 
such discovery might be considered as the period of 
chastisement by this distemper, where that knowledge 
extended. But as life and health are his gifts, and 
not to be disposed of in our own wills, to take upon 
us, when in health, a distemper, of which some die, 
requires great clearness of knowledge that it is our 
duty to do so. 



96 



CHAPTER VII. 

His visit, in company with Samuel Eastburn, to Long Island, Rhode 
Island, Boston, <fcc. in New England — Remarks on the slave-trade 
at Newport, and his exercise on that account; also on lotteries — 
Some observations on the Island of Nantucket. 

Having, for some time past, felt a sympathy in my 
mind with Friends eastward, I opened my concern in 
our monthly meeting; and obtaining a certificate, set 
forward on the 17th day of the 4th month, in the year 
1760, joining in company, by a previous agreement, 
with my beloved friend Samuel Eastburn. We had 
meetings at Woodbridge, Rahway, and Plainfield; and 
were at their monthly meeting of ministers and elders 
in Rahway. We laboured under some discourage- 
ment; but, through the invisible power of Truth, our 
visit was made reviving to the lowly-minded, with 
whom I felt a near unity of spirit, being much re- 
duced in my own mind. We passed on, and visited 
chief of the meetings on Long Island. It was my con- 
cern, from day to day, to say no more nor less than 
what the spirit of Truth opened in me, being jealous 
over myself, lest I should speak any thing to make 
my testimony look agreeable to that mind in people 
which is not in pure obedience to the cross of Christ. 

The spring of the ministry was often low; and thro* 
the subjecting power of Truth, we were kept low 
with it: and from place to place, such whose hearts 
were truly concerned for the cause of Christ, appear- 
ed to be comforted in our labours. And though it 
was, in general, a time of abasement of the creature, 
yet through His goodness, who is a helper of the poor, 
we had some truly edifying seasons, both in meetings 
and in families where we tarried ; and sometimes found 
strength to labour earnestly with the unfaithful, espe- 
cially with those whose station in families, or in the 
society, was such, that their example had a powerful 



JOHN WOOLMANS JOURNAL. 97 

tendency to open the way for others to go aside from 
the purity and soundness of the blessed Truth. At 
Jericho, on Long Island, I wrote home as follows: 

24th of the 4th month, 1760. 
Dearly beloved wife, — 

We are favoured with health; have been at 
sundry meetings' in East Jersey, and on this Island. 
My mind hath been much in an inward watchful frame 
since I left thee, greatly desiring that our proceedings 
may be singly in the will of our heavenly Father. 

As the present appearance of things is not joyous, I 
have been much shut up from outward cheerfulness, 
remembering that promise, "Then shalt thou delight 
thyself in the Lord." — As this, from day to day, has 
been revived in my memory, I have considered that 
his internal presence on our minds is a delight of all 
others the most pure; and that the honest-hearted not 
only delight in this, but in the effect of it upon them. 
He regards the helpless and distressed, and reveals 
his love to his children under affliction, they delight 
in beholding his benevolence, and feeling Divine cha- 
rity moving upon them: of this I may speak a little; 
for though, since I left you, I have often found an 
engaging love and affection towards thee and our 
daughter, and Friends about home, that going out at 
this time, when sickness is so great amongst you, is a 
trial upon me; yet I often remember there are many 
widows and fatherless, — many who have poor tu- 
tors, — many who have evil examples before them, — 
and many whose minds are in captivity; for whose 
sake my heart is, at times, moved with compassion, 
so that I feel my mind resigned to leave you for a 
season, to exercise that gift which the Lord hath be- 
stowed on me; which though small, compared with 
some, yet in this I rejoice, that I feel love unfeigned 
toward my fellow-creatures. I recommend you to 
the Almighty, who I trust cares for you; and under a 
sense of his heavenly love, remain thy loving husband, 

John Woolman. 
9 



98 JOHN woolman's journal. 1760 

We crossed from the east end of Long Island to 
New London, about thirty miles, in a large open boat. 
While we were out, the wind rising high, the waves 
several times beat over us, so that to me it appeared 
dangerous; but my mind was, at that time, turned to 
Him who made and governs the deep, and my life 
was resigned to him: and as he was mercifully pleased 
to preserve us, I had fresh occasion to consider every 
day as a day lent to me; and felt a renewed engage- 
ment to devote my time and all I had, to Him who 
gave it. 

We had five meetings in Narraganset; and went 
thence to Newport on Rhode Island. Our gracious 
Father preserved us in a humble dependence on him 
through deep exercises, that were mortifying to the 
creaturely will. In several families in the country, 
where we lodged, I felt an engagement on my mind 
to have a conference with them in private concerning 
their slaves; and through Divine aid, I was favoured 
to give up thereto. Though in this concern I appear 
singular from many, whose service in travelling, I 
believe is greater than mine; I do not think hard of 
them for omitting it: I do not repine at having so un- 
pleasant a task assigned me, but look with awfulness 
to Him who appoints to his servants their respective 
employments, and is good to all who serve him sin- 
cerely. 

We got to Newport in the evening: and on the 
next day visited two sick persons, and had comforta- 
ble sittings with them; and in the afternoon attended 
the burial of a Friend. The next day we were at 
meetings at Newport, in the forenoon and afternoon; 
where the spring of the ministry was opened, and 
strength given to» declare the word of Life to the 
people. 

The next day we went on our journey: but the 
great number of slaves in these parts, and the continu- 
ance of that trade from thence to Guinea, made deep 
impression on me; and my cries were often put up to 
my heavenly Father in secret, that he would enable 



TRAVELS IN NEW ENGLAND. 99 

me to discharge my duty faithfully, in such way as 
he might be pleased to point out to me. 

We took Swanzey, Free-town, and Taunton, in 
our way to Boston; where also we had a meeting. 
Our exercise was deep, and the love of Truth prevail- 
ed ; for which I bless the Lord. We went eastward 
about eighty miles beyond Boston, taking meetings, 
and were in a good degree preserved in a humble de- 
pendence on that arm which drew us out. And, tho' 
we had some hard labour with the disobedient, laying 
things home and close to such who were stout against 
the Truth; yet, through the goodness of God, we had, 
at times, to partake of heavenly comfort with them 
who were meek, and were often favoured to part with 
Friends in the nearness of true gospel fellowship. — 
We returned to Boston, and had another comfortable 
opportunity with Friends there; and thence rode a 
day's journey westward to Bolton. Our guide being 
a heavy man, and the weather hot, and my companion 
and I considering it, expressed our freedom to go on 
without him; to which he consented, and we respect- 
fully took our leave of him: this we did, as believing 
the journey would have been hard to him and his 
horse. 

We visited the meetings in those parts, and were 
measurably baptized into a feeling of the state of the 
society; and in bovvedness of spirit went to the Yearly 
Meeting at Newport; where I understood that a large 
number of slaves were imported from Africa into that 
town, and then on sale by a member of our society. 
At this meeting we met with John Storer from Eng- 
land, Elizabeth Shipley, Ann Gaunt, Hannah Foster, 
and Mercy Redman, from our parts; all ministers of 
the gospel, of whose company I was glad. 

At this time my appetite failed, and I grew out- 
wardly weak, and had a feeling of the condition of 
Habakkuk, as thus expressed: "When I heard, my 
belly trembled; my lips quivered; and I trembled in 
myself that I might rest in the day of trouble." I had 
many cogitations, and was sorely distressed; and was 



100 john woolman's journal. 1760 

desirous that Friends might petition the legislature, 
to use their endeavours to discourage the future im- 
portation of slaves; for I saw that this trade was a 
great evil, and tended to multiply troubles, and bring 
distresses on the people in those parts, for whose wel- 
fare my heart was deeply concerned. 

But I perceived several difficulties in regard to pe- 
titioning: and such was the exercise of my mind, that 
I had thoughts of endeavouring to get an opportunity 
to speak a few words in the House of Assembly, then 
sitting in town. This exercise came upon me in the 
afternoon on the second day of the Yearly Meeting; 
and going to bed, I got no sleep till my mind was 
wholly resigned therein; and in the morning I inquir- 
ed of a friend how long the Assembly were likely to 
continue sitting; who told me, they were expected to 
be prorogued that day or the next. 

As I was desirous to attend the busines of the meet- 
ing, and perceived the Assembly were likely to de- 
part before the business was over; after considerable 
exercise, humbly seeking to the Lord for instruction, 
my mind settled to attend on the business of the meet- 
ing; on the last day of which, I had prepared a short 
essay of a petition to be presented to the legislature, 
if way opened for it. And being informed that there 
were some appointed by that Yearly Meeting to speak 
with those in authority, in cases relating to the socie- 
ty, I opened my mind to several of them, and show- 
ed them the essay I had made; and afterward opened 
the case in the meeting for business, in substance as 
follows: 

" I have been under a concern for some time, on ac- 
count of the great number of slaves which are import- 
ed into this colony. I am aware that it is a tender 
point to speak to, but apprehend I am not clear in the 
sight of heaven without speaking to it. I have pre- 
pared an essay of a petition, if way open, to be pre- 
sented to the legislature; and what I have to propose 
to this meeting is, that some Friends may be named 
to withdraw and look over it, and report whether 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 101 

they believe it suitable to be read in the meeting. If 
they should think well of reading it, it will remain 
for the meeting, after hearing it, to consider whe- 
ther to take any further notice of it as a meeting or 
not." 

After a short conference, some Friends went out, 
and, looking over it, expressed their willingness to 
have it read; which being done, many expressed their 
unity with the proposal; and some signified, that to 
have the subject of the petition enlarged upon, and to 
be signed out of meeting by such who were free, 
would be more suitable than to do it there. Though 
I expected, at first, that if it was done, it would be in 
that way; yet, such was the exercise of my mind, that 
to move it in the hearing of Friends when assembled, 
appeared to me as a duty; for my heart yearned to- 
ward the inhabitants of these parts; believing that by 
this trade there had been an increase of inquietude 
amongst them, and a way made easy for the spread- 
ing of a spirit opposite to that meekness and humili- 
ty, which is a sure resting place for the soul: — and 
that the continuance of this trade would not only 
render their healing more difficult, but increase their 
malady. 

Having thus far proceeded, I felt easy to leave the 
essay amongst Friends, for them to proceed in it as 
they believed best. And now an exercise revived on 
my mind in relation to lotteries, which were common 
in those parts. I had once moved it in a former sit- 
ting of this meeting, when arguments were used in 
favour of Friends being held excused, who were only 
concerned in such lotteries as were agreeable to law: 
and now on moving it again, it was opposed as before. 
But the hearts of some solid Friends appeared to be 
united to discourage the practice amongst their mem- 
bers; and the matter was zealously handled by some 
on both sides. 

In this debate, it appeared very clear to me, that 
the spirit of lotteries was a spirit of selfishness, which 
tended to confusion and darkness of understanding; 
9* 



102 john woolman's journal. 1760 

and that pleading for it in our meetings, set apart for 
the Lord's work, was not right: and in the heat of 
zeal, I once made reply to what an ancient Friend 
said, which, when I sat down, I saw that my words 
were not enough seasoned with charity; and after this 
I spoke no more on the subject. At length a minute 
was made; a copy of which was agreed to be sent to 
their several Quarterly meetings, inciting Friends to 
labour to discourage the practice amongst all profess- 
ing with us. 

Some time after this minute was made, I, remain- 
ing uneasy with the manner of my speaking to the 
ancient Friend, could not see my way clear to con- 
ceal my uneasiness, but was concerned that I might 
say nothing to weaken the cause in which I had la- 
boured: and then, after some close exercise and hearty 
repentance, for that I had not attended closely to the 
safe guide, I stood up, and reciting the passage, ac- 
quainted Friends, that though I dare not go from 
what I had saidj as to the matter, yet I was uneasy 
with the manner of my speaking, as believing milder 
language would have been better. As this was utter- 
ed in some degree of creaturely abasement, it appear- 
ed to have a good savour amongst us, after a warm 
debate. 

The Yearly Meeting being now over, there yet re- 
mained on my mind a secret though heavy exercise, 
in regard to some leading active members about New- 
port, being in the practice of slave keeping. This I 
mentioned to two ancient Friends, who came out of 
the country, and proposed to them, if way opened, to 
have some conversation with those Friends: and there- 
upon, one of those country Friends and I consulted 
one of the most noted elders who had slaves; and he 
in a respectful manner, encouraged me to proceed to 
clear myself of what lay upon me. Now I had had, 
near the beginning of the Yearly Meeting, a private 
conference with this said elder and his wife, concern- 
ing theirs; so that the way seemed clear to me to ad- 
vise with him about the manner of proceeding. I told 






john woolman's journal. 103 

him, I was free to have a conference with them alto- 
gether ib a private house; or, if he thought they would 
take it unkind to be asked to come together, and to 
be spoke with one in the hearing of another, I was 
free to spend some time among them, and visit them 
all in their own houses. He expressed his liking to 
the first proposal, not doubting their willingness to 
come together: and as I proposed a visit to only mi- 
nisters, elders, and overseers; he named some others 
whom he desired might be present also: and as a care- 
ful messenger was wanted to acquaint them in a pro- 
per manner, he offered to go to all their houses to open 
the matter to them; and did so. About the eighth 
hour the next morning, we met in the meeting-house 
chamber, and the last-mentioned country Friend, also 
my companion, and John Storer, with us; when, after 
a short time of retirement, I acquainted them with 
the steps I had taken in procuring that meeting, and 
opened the concern I was under; and so we proceed- 
ed to a free conference upon the subject. My ex- 
ercise was heavy, and I was deeply bowed in spirit 
before the Lord, who was pleased to favour with the 
seasoning virtue of Truth, which wrought a tenderness 
amongst us; and the subject was mutually handled in 
a calm and peaceable spirit. And at length, feeling 
my mind released from that burden which I had been 
under, I took my leave of them, in a good degree of 
satisfaction: and by the tenderness they manifested 
in regard to the practice, and the concern several of 
them expressed in relation to the manner of disposing 
of their negroes after their decease, I believed that a 
good exercise was spreading amongst them: and I am 
humbly thankful to God, who supported my mind, 
and preserved me in a good degree of resignation 
through these trials. 

Thou, who sometimes travels in the work of the 
ministry, and art made very welcome by thy friends,, 
seest many tokens of their satisfaction in having thee 
for their guest: it is good for thee to dwell deep, that 
thou mayest feel and understand the spirits of people,. 



104 john woolman's journal. 1760 

If we believe Truth points towards a conference on 
some subjects, in a private way, it is needful for us 
to take heed that their kindness, their freedom and 
affability, do not hinder us from the Lord's work. I 
have seen, that in the midst of kindness and smooth 
conduct, to speak close and home to them who enter- 
tain us, on points that relate to their outward interest, 
is hard labour; and some times, when I have felt 
Truth lead toward it, I have found myself disqualifi- 
ed by a superficial friendship: and as the sense there- 
of hath abased me, and my cries have been to the 
Lord, so I have been humbled and made content to 
appear weak, or as a fool for his sake; and thus a door 
hath opened to enter upon it. To attempt to do the 
Lord's work in our own will, and to speak of that 
which is the burden of the word, in a way easy to 
the natural part, doth not reach the bottom of the 
disorder. To see the failings of our friends, and 
think hard of them, without opening that which we 
ought to open, and still carry a face of friendship, — 
this tends to undermine the foundation of true unity. 
The office of a minister of Christ is weighty; and 
they who now go forth as watchmen, had need to be 
steadily on their guard against the snares of prosperi- 
ty and an outside friendship. 

After the Yearly Meeting was over, we were at 
meetings at Newtown, Accushnet, Long Plain, Ro- 
chester and Dartmouth. From thence we sailed for 
Nantucket, in company with Ann Gaunt and Mercy 
Redman, and several other friends. The wind being 
slack, we only reached Tarpauling Cove the first 
day; where, going on shore, we found room in a pub- 
lic house, and beds for a few of us, the rest sleeping 
on the floor. We went on board again about break 
of day; and though the wind was small, we were fa- 
voured to come within about four miles of Nantuc- 
ket; and then about ten of us getting into our boat, we 
rowed to the harbour before dark: whereupon a large 
whale-boat going off, brought in the rest of the pas- 



TRAVELS IN MASSACHUSETTS. 105 

sengers about midnight. The next day but one was 
their Yearly Meeting, which held four days; the last 
of which, was their monthly meeting for business. 
We had a laborious time amongst them; our minds 
were closely exercised; and I beJieve it was a time 
of great searching of heart. The longer I was on the 
island, the more I became sensible that there was a 
considerable number of valuable Friends there; tho' 
an evil spirit, tending to strife, had been at work 
amongst them. I was cautious of making any visits 
but as my mind was particularly drawn to them; and 
in that way we had some sittings in Friends houses, 
where the heavenly wing was at times spread over 
us, to our mutual comfort. My beloved companion 
had very acceptable service on this island. 

When meeting was over, we all agreed to sail the 
next day, if the weather was suitable and we well: 
and being called up the latter part of the night, we 
went on board a vessel, being in all about fifty; but 
the wind changing, the seamen thought best to stay 
in the harbour till it altered; so we returned on shore: 
and feeling clear as to any further visits, I spent my 
time in our chamber chiefly alone. And after some 
hours, my heart being filled with the spirit of suppli- 
cation, my prayers and tears were poured out before 
my heavenly Father, for his help and instruction in 
the manifold difficulties which attended me in life. 
While I was waiting upon the Lord, there came a 
messenger from the women Friends, who lodged at 
another house, desiring to confer with us about ap- 
pointing a meeting; which to me appeared weighty, 
as we had been at so many before: but after a short 
conference, and advising with some elderly Friends, 
a meeting was appointed; in which the Friend who 
first moved it, and who had been much shut up be- 
fore, was largely opened in the love of the gospel. 
And the next morning, about break of day, going again 
on board the vessel, we reached Falmouth on the 
Main before night; where our horses being brought, 
we proceeded toward Sandwich Quarterly meeting. 



106 john woolman's journal. 1760 

Being two days in going to Nantucket, and having 
been there once before, I observed many shoals in 
their bay, which make sailing more dangerous, espe- 
cially in stormy nights; also that a great shoal which 
encloses their harbour, prevents their going in with 
sloops, except when the tide is up. Waiting outside 
of this shoal, for the rising of the tide, is sometimes 
hazardous in storms; and waiting within, they some- 
times miss a fair wind. I took notice, that on that 
small island was a great number of inhabitants, and 
the soil not very fertile; the timber so gone, that for 
vessels, fences, and firewood, they depend chiefly on 
buying from the Main; the cost whereof, with most 
of their other expenses, they depend principally up- 
on the whale fishery to answer. I considered, that 
as towns grew larger, and lands near navigable wa- 
ters more cleared, timber and wood would require 
more labour to get it. I understood that the whales 
being much hunted, and sometimes wounded and not 
killed, grew more shy and difficult to come at. I 
considered that the formation of the earth, the seas, 
the islands, bays and rivers, the motions of the winds 
and great waters, which cause bars and shoals in par- 
ticular places, — were all the works of Him who is 
perfect wisdom and goodness; and as people attend 
to his heavenly instructions, and put their trust in 
him, he provides for them in all parts where he gives 
them a being. 

And as in this visit to these people, I felt a strong 
desire for their firm establishment on the sure foun- 
dation, — besides what was said more publicly, I was 
concerned to speak with the women Friends, in their 
monthly meeting of business, many being present; 
and in the fresh spring of pure love, to open before 
them the advantage, both inward and outward, of at- 
tending singly to the pure guidance of the Holy Spi- 
rit, and therein to educate their children in true hu- 
mility, and the disuse of all superfluities; reminding 
them of the difficulties their husbands and sons were 
frequently exposed to at sea; and that the more plain 



TRAVELS IN RHODE ISLAND. 107 

and simple their way of living was, the less need of 
running great hazards to support them in it; — encou- 
raging the young women in their neat, decent way 
of attending themselves on the affairs of the house; — 
showing, as the way opened, that where people were 
truly humble, used themselves to business and were 
content with a ^lain way of life, that it had ever been 
attended with liiore true peac and calmness of mind, 
than those have had, who, aspiring to greatness and 
outward show, have grasped hard for an income to 
support themselves in it. And as I observed they 
had few or no slaves amongst them, I had to encou- 
rage them to be content without 'hem; making men- 
tion of the numerous troubles and vexations, which 
frequently attend the minds of people who depend 
on slaves to do their labour. 

We attended the Quarterly meeting at Sandwich, 
in company with Ann Gaunt and Mercy Redman, 
which was preceded by a monthly meeting; and in 
the whole held three days. We were various ways 
exercised amongst them, in gospel love, according to 
the several gifts bestowed on us; and were, at times, 
overshadowed with the virtue of Truth, to the com- 
fort of the sincere, and stirring up of the negligent. 
Here we parted w T ith Ann and Mercy, and went to 
Rhode Island, taking one meeting in our way, which 
was a satisfactory time; and reaching Newport the 
evening before their Quarterly meeting, we attended 
it; and after that, had a meeting with our young peo- 
ple, separated from those of other societies. We had 
gone through much labour in this town; and now, in 
taking leave of it, though I felt close inward exercise 
to the last, I found inward peace; and was, in some 
degree comforted in a belief that a good number re- 
main in that place, who retain a sense of Truth; and 
that there are some young people attentive to the 
voice of the heavenly Shepherd. The last meeting 
in which Friends from the several parts of the Quar- 
ter came together, was a select meeting; and through 



108 JOHN woolman's journal. 1760 

the renewed manifestations of the Father's love, the 
hearts of the sincere were united together. 

That poverty of spirit and inward weakness, with 
which I was much tried the fore part of this journey, 
has of late appeared to me as a dispensation of kind- 
ness. Appointing meetings never felt more weighty 
to me; and I was led into a deep search, whether in 
all things my mind was resigned to the will of God; 
often querying with myself, what should be the cause 
of such inward poverty; and greatly desiring that no 
secret reserve in my heart might hinder my access to 
the Divine fountain. In these humbling times I was 
made watchful and attentive to the deep movings of 
the heavenly principle in my mind, which prepared 
the way to some duties, that in more easy and pros- 
perous times, as to the outward, I believe I should 
have been in danger of omitting. 

From Newport we went to Greenwich, Shanticut, 
and Warwick; and were helped to labour amongst 
Friends in the love of our gracious Redeemer: and 
then, accompanied by our friend John Casey from 
Newport, we rode through Connecticut to Oblong, — 
visited the meetings of Friends in those parts, and 
thence proceeded to the Quarterly meeting at Rye- 
woods: and through the gracious extendings of Di- 
vine help, had some seasoning opportunities in those 
places. We then visited Friends at New York and 
Flushing; and thence to Rahway. Here, our roads 
parting, I took leave of my beloved companion and 
true yoke-mate, Samuel Eastburn; and reached home 
on the 10th day of the 8th month, 1760, where I 
found my family well: and for the favours and pro- 
tection of the Lord, both inward and outward, ex- 
tended to me in this journey, my heart is humbled 
in grateful acknowledgments; and I feel a renewed 
engagement to dwell and walk in resignedness before 
him. 



109 



CHAPTER Till. 

His visits to Pennsylvania, Shrewsbury and Squan — His publishing 
the second part of his considerations on keeping negroes — The 
grounds of his appearing in some respects singular in his dress — 
His visiting the families of Friends of Ancocas and Mount Holly 
meetings — His visits to the Indians at Wehaloosing on the river 
Susquehannah. 

Having felt my mind drawn toward a visit to a few 
meetings in Pennsylvania, I was very desirous to be 
rightly instructed as to the time of setting off: and on 
the 10th day of the 5th month, 1761, being the first 
day of the week, I went to Haddonfield meeting; 
concluding to seek for heavenly instruction, and come 
home or go on, as I might then believe best for me; 
and there, through the springing up of pure love, I 
felt encouragement, and so crossed the river. In 
this visit I was at two Quarterly and three monthly 
meetings; and in the love of Truth, felt my way open 
to labour with some noted Friends who kept negroes. 
And as I was favoured to keep to the root, and en- 
deavoured to discharge what I believed was required 
of me, I found inward peace therein, from time to 
time; and thankfulness of heart to the Lord, who was 
graciously pleased to be a guide to me. 

In the Sth month, 1761, having felt drawings in 
my mind to visit Friends in and about Shrewsbury, 
I went there, and was at their monthly meeting, and 
their first-day meeting; and had a meeting at Squan, 
and another at Squankum; and as way opened, I had 
conversation in the fear of the Lord, with some noted 
Friends concerning their slaves; and returned home 
in a thankful sense of the goodness of God. 

From the care I felt growing in me some years, I 

wrote Considerations on keeping Negroes, part the 

second; which was printed this year, 1762. When 

the overseers of the press had done with it, they of- 

10 



110 john woolman's journal. 1762 

fered to get a number printed to be paid for out of 
the Yearly Meeting stock, and to be given away: but 
I being most easy to publish them at my own expense, 
and offering my reasons, they appeared satisfied. 

This stock is the contribution of the members of 
our religious society in general; amongst whom are 
many who keep negroes, and some of them being re- 
solved to continue them in slavery, are not likely to 
be satisfied with those books being spread amongst a 
people where many of the slaves are taught to read; 
and especially not at their expense; and such often 
receiving them as a gift, conceal them. But as they 
who make a purchase, generally buy that which they 
have a mind for, I believed it best to sell them; ex- 
pecting, by that means, they would more generally 
be read with attention. Advertisements being sign- 
ed by order of the overseers of the press, were direct- 
ed to be read in monthly meetings of business within 
our own Yearly Meeting, informing where the books 
were, and that the price was no more than the cost of 
printing and binding them. Many were taken off in 
our parts; some I sent to Virginia, some to New York, 
and some to Newport, to my acquaintance there; and 
some I kept, expecting to give part of them away, 
where there appeared a prospect of service. 



In my youth I was used to hard labour; and though 
I was middling healthy, yet my nature was not fitted 
to endure so much as many others: that being often 
weary, I was prepared to sympathize with those 
whose circumstances in life, as free men, required 
constant labour to answer the demands of their credi- 
tors; and with others under oppression. In the un- 
easiness of body, which I have many times felt by 
too much labour, not as a forced but a voluntary op- 
pression, I have often been excited to think on the 
original cause of that oppression which is imposed on 
many in the world. And the latter part of the time 
wherein I laboured on our plantation, my heart. 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. Ill 

through the fresh visitations of heavenly love, being 
often tender; and my leisure time frequently spent in 
reading the life and doctrines of our blessed Redeem- 
er, the account of the sufferings of martyrs, and the 
history of the first rise of our society; a belief was 
gradually settled in my mind, that if such who had 
great estates, generally lived in that humility and 
plainness which belongs to a christian life, and laid 
much easier rents and interests on their lands and mo- 
nies, and thus led the way to a right use of things, — 
so great a number of people might be employed in 
things useful, that labour both for men and other 
creatures would need to be no more than an agreea- 
ble employ; and divers branches of business, which 
serve chiefly to please the natural inclinations of our 
minds, and which at present, seems necessary to cir- 
culate that wealth which some gather, might in this 
way of pure wisdom, be discontinued. And as I 
have thus considered these things, a query at times, 
hath arisen; Do I, in all my proceedings, keep to that 
use of things which is agreeable to universal righ- 
teousness? And then, there hath some degree of sad- 
ness, at times, come over me; for that I accustomed 
myself to some things, which occasioned more labour 
than I believe Divine wisdom intends for us. 

From my early acquaintance with Truth, I have 
often felt an inward distress, occasioned by the striv- 
ing of a spirit in me, against the operation of the hea- 
venly principle; and in this circumstance I have been 
affected with a sense of my own wretchedness, and 
in a mourning condition felt earnest longing for that 
Divine help which brings the soul into true liberty. 
And some times, in this state, retiring into private 
places, the spirit of supplication hath been given me; 
and under a heavenly covering, I have asked my gra- 
cious Father to give me a heart in all things resigned 
to the direction of his wisdom: and in uttering lan- 
guage like this, the thoughts of my wearing hats and 
garments dyed with a dye hurtful to them, has made 
lasting impressions on me. 



112 john woolman's journal. 1762 

In visiting people of note in the society who had 
slaves, and labouring with them in brotherly love on 
that account, I have seen, and the sight has affected 
me, that a conformity to some customs, distinguisha- 
ble from pure wisdom, has entangled many; and the 
desire of gain to support these customs, greatly op- 
posed the work of Truth. And sometimes when the 
prospect of the work before me has been such, that in 
bowedness of spirit I have been drawn into retired 
places, and besought the Lord with tears that he 
would take me wholly under his direction, and show 
me the way in which I ought to walk; — it hath re- 
vived with strength of convietion, that if I would be 
his faithful servant, I must in all things attend to his 
wisdom, and be teachable; and so cease from all cus- 
toms contrary thereto, however used amongst reli- 
gious people. 

As He is the perfection of power, of wisdom, and 
of goodness; so, I believe, he hath provided that so 
much labour shall be necessary for men's support in 
this world, as would, being rightly divided, be a suit- 
able employment of their time; and that we cannot 
go into superfluities, or grasp after wealth in a way 
contrary to his wisdom, without having connection 
with some degree of oppression, and with that spirit 
which leads to self exaltation and strife, and which 
frequently brings calamities on countries, by parties 
contending about their claims. 

Being thus fully convinced, and feeling an increas- 
ing desire to live in the spirit of peace; — being often 
sorrowfully affected, in thinking on the unquiet spirit 
in which wars are generally carried on, and with the 
miseries of many of my fellow-creatures engaged 
therein: some suddenly destroyed; some wounded, 
and after much pain remain cripples; some deprived 
of all their outward substance and reduced to want; 
and some carried into captivity. Thinking often on 
these things, the use of hats and garments dyed with 
a dye hurtful to them, and wearing more clothes in 
summer than are useful, grew more uneasy to me; 



john woolman's journal. 113 

believing them to be customs which have not their 
foundation in pure wisdom. The apprehension of 
being singular from my beloved friends, was a strait 
upon me; and thus I remained in the use of some 
things contrary to my judgment. 

On the 31st day of the 5th month, 1761, I was ta- 
ken ill of a fever; and after having it near a week, I 
was in great distress of body: and one day there was 
a cry raised in me, that I might understand the cause 
why I was afflicted, and improve under it. And my 
conformity to some customs which I believed were 
not right, were brought to my remembrance: and in 
the continuation of the exercise, I felt all the powers 
in me yield themselves up into the hands of Him 
who gave me being; and was made thankful that he 
had taken hold of me by his chastisement. Feeling 
the necessity of further purifying, there was now no 
desire in me for health, until the design of my cor- 
rection was answered; and thus 1 lay in abasement 
and brokenness of spirit. And as I felt a sinking 
down into a calm resignation, so I felt, as in an in- 
stant, an inward healing in my nature; and from that 
time forward I grew better. 

Though I was thus settled in my mind in relation 
to hurtful dyes, I felt e*asy to wear my garments 
heretofore made; and so continued about nine months. 
Then I thought of getting a hat the natural colour of 
the fur; but the apprehension of being looked upon 
as one affecting singularity, felt uneasy to me. And 
here 1 had occasion to consider, that things, though 
small in themselves, being clearly enjoined by Divine 
authority as a duty, became great things to us; and I 
trusted that the Lord would support me in the trials 
that might attend singularity, while that singularity 
was only for his sake. On this account, I was under 
close exercise of mind in the time of our general Spring 
meeting, 1762, greatly desiring to be rightly directed; 
when, being deeply bowed in spirit before the Lord, 
I was made willing to submit to what I apprehended 
10* 



114 john wooiman's journal. 1762 

was required of me: and when I returned home, got 
a hat of the natural colour of the fur. 

In attending meetings, this singularity was a trial 
upon me; and more especially at this time, white hats 
being used by some who were fond of following the 
changeable modes of dress. And as some Friends, who 
knew not of what motive I wore it, carried shy of me, 
I felt my way for a time shut up in the exercise of 
the ministry: and in this condition, my mind being 
turned toward my heavenly Father, with fervent cries 
that I might be preserved to walk before him in the 
meekness of wisdom, my heart was often tender in 
meetings; and I felt an inward consolation, which to 
me was very precious under those difficulties. 

I had several dyed garments fit for use, which I be- 
lieved it best to wear, till I had occasion of new ones. 
And as some Friends were apprehensive that my 
wearing such a hat savoured of an affected singularity, 
such who spake with me in a friendly way, I general- 
ly informed in a few words, that I believed my wear- 
ing it was not in my own will. I had at times been 
sensible, that a superficial friendship had been danger- 
ous to me; and many Friends being now uneasy with 
me, I had an inclination to acquaint some with the 
manner of my being led into these things; yet, upon 
a deeper thought, I was for a time most easy to omit 
it; believing the present dispensation was profitable; 
and trusting, that if I kept my place, the Lord in his 
own time would open the hearts of Friends towards 
me. Since which, I have had cause to admire his 
goodness and loving kindness, in leading about and 
instructing, and opening and enlarging my heart in 
some of our meetings. 

In the 11th month, 1762, feeling an engagement of 
mind to visit some families in Mansfield, I joined my 
beloved friend Benjamin Jones, and we spent a few 
days together in that service. In the 2d month, 1763, 
I joined in company with Elizabeth Smith and Mary 
Noble, on a visit to the families of Friends at Anco- 



JOHN woolman's journal. 115 

cas; in both which visits, through the baptizing pow- 
er of Truth, the sincere labourers were often comfort- 
ed, and the hearts of Friends opened to receive us. 
And in the 4th month following, I accompanied some 
Friends in a visit to the families of Friends in Mount 
Holly; in which my mind was often drawn into an 
inward awfulness, wherein strong desires were raised 
for the everlasting welfare of my fellow-creatures; 
and through the kindness of our heavenly Father, our 
hearts were at times enlarged, and Friends invited in 
the flowings of Divine love to attend to that which 
would settle them on the sure foundation. 

Having many years felt love in my heart towards 
the natives of this land, who dwell far back in the 
wilderness, whose ancestors were the owners and pos- 
sessors of the land where we dwell, and who for a 
very small consideration, assigned their inheritance 
to us: and being at Philadelphia in the Sth month, 
1761, on a visit to some Friends who had slaves; I 
fell in company with some of those natives who lived 
on the east branch of the river Susquehannah, at an 
Indian town called Wehaloosing, two hundred miles 
from Philadelphia; and in conversation with them by 
an interpreter, as also by observations on their coun- 
tenances and conduct, I believed some of them were 
measurably acquainted with that Divine power which 
subjects the rough and froward will of the creature. 
And at times, I felt inward drawings toward a visit 
to that place, of which I told none except my dear 
wife, until it came to some ripeness; and then in the 
winter, 1762, I laid it before Friends at our monthly 
and Quarterly, and afterwards at our general Spring 
meeting. And having the unity of Friends, and 
being thoughtful about an Indian pilot, there came 
a man and three women from a little beyond that 
town to Philadelphia on business; and I being inform- 
ed thereof by letter, met them in town in the 5th 
month, 1763; and after some conversation, finding 
they were sober people, I, with the concurrence of 



116 john woolman's journal. 1763 

Friends in that place, agreed to join with them as com- 
panions on their return: and on the 7th day of the 6th 
month following, we appointed to meet at Samuel 
Foulke's, at Richland, in Bucks county. 

Now as this visit felt very weighty, and was per- 
formed at a time when travelling appeared perilous, 
so the dispensations of Divine Providence, in prepar- 
ing my mind for it, have been memorable; and I be- 
lieve it good for me to give some hints thereof. 

After I had given up to go, the thoughts of the 
journey were often attended with unusual sadness; in 
which times my heart was frequently turned to the 
Lord with inward breathings for his heavenly support, 
that I might not fail to follow him wheresoever he 
might lead me. And being at our youth's meeting 
at Chesterfield, about a week before the time I ex- 
pected to set off, was there led to speak on that pray- 
er of Jesus Christ to his Father: "I pray not that thou 
shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou 
shouldst keep them from the evil.' 7 And in attend- 
ing to the pure openings of Truth, had to mention 
w T hat he elsewhere said to his Father; "I know that 
thou hearest me at all times." So that, as some of 
his followers kept their places, and as his prayer was 
granted, it followed necessarily that they were kept 
from evil. And as some of them met with great hard- 
ships and afflictions in this world, and at last suffered 
death by cruel men; it appears, that whatsoever be- 
falls men while they live in pure obedience to God, 
as it certainly works for their good, so it may not be 
considered an evil as it relates to them. As I spake on 
this subject, my heart was much tendered, and great 
awfulness came over me. And then, on the first day 
of the next week, being at our own afternoon meeting, 
and my heart being enlarged in love, I was led to 
speak on the care and protection of the Lord over his 
people, and to make mention of that passage where a 
band of Assyrians endeavouring to take captive the 
prophet, were disappointed; and how the psalmist said, 
"the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 117 

that fear him." And thus, in true love and tenderness, 
I parted from Friends, expecting the next morning to 
proceed on my journey; and being weary, went early 
to bed. After I had been asleep a short time, I was 
awakened by a man calling at my door; and arising, 
was invited to meet some Friends at a public house 
in our town, who came from Philadelphia so late, that 
Friends were generally gone to bed. These Friends 
informed me, that an express arrived the last morning 
from Pittsburgh, and brought news that the Indians 
had taken a fort from the English, westward, and slain 
and scalped English people in divers places, some near 
the said Pittsburgh; and that some elderly Friends in 
Philadelphia, knowing the time of my expecting to 
set off, had conferred together, and thought good to 
inform me of these things before I left home, that I 
might consider them, and proceed as I believed best: 
so I, going again to bed, told not my wife till morn- 
ing. My heart was turned to the Lord for his hea- 
venly instruction; and it was a humbling time to me. 
When I told my dear wife, she appeared to be deep- 
ly concerned about it: but in a few hours time, my 
mind became settled in a belief, that it was my duty 
to proceed on my journey; and she bore it with a good 
degree of resignation. In this conflict of spirit, there 
were great searchings of heart, and strong cries to the 
Lord, that no motion might be in the least degree 
attended to, but that of the pure spirit of Truth. 

The subjects before-mentioned, on which I had so 
lately spoken in public, were now very fresh before 
me; and I was brought inwardly to commit myself to 
the Lord, to be disposed of as he saw good. So I 
took leave of my family and neighbours, in much 
bowedness of spirit, and went to our monthly meeting 
at Burlington; and after taking leave of Friends there, 
I crossed the river, accompanied by my friends Israel 
and John Pemberton; and parting the next morning 
with Israel, John bore me company to Sam'l Foulke's; 
where I met the before-mentioned Indians, and we 
were glad to see each other. Here my beloved friend 



118 john woolman's journal. 1763 

Benjamin Parvin, met me, and proposed joining as a 
companion; we having passed some letters before on 
the subject. And now, on his account, I had a sharp 
trial; for as the journey appeared perilous, I thought if 
he went chiefly to bear me company, and we should 
be taken captives, my having been the means of draw- 
ing him into these difficulties, would add to my own 
afflictions. So I told him my mind freely, and let him 
know that I was resigned to go alone; but after all, if 
he really believed it to be his duty to go on, I believed 
his company would be very comfortable to me. It 
was indeed a time of deep exercise, and Benjamin 
appeared to be so fastened to the visit, that he could 
not be easy to leave me. 

So we went on, accompanied by our friends John 
Pemberton, and William Lightfoot of Pikeland, and 
lodged at Bethlehem; and there parting with John, 
William and we went forward on the 9th day of the 
6th month, and got lodging on the floor of a house 
about five miles from Fort Allen. Here we parted 
with William: and at this place we met with an Indian 
trader, lately come from Wyoming; and in conversa- 
tion with him, I perceived that many white people 
do often sell rum to the Indians, which, I believe, is 
a great evil: First, they being thereby deprived of 
the use of their reason, and their spirits violently 
agitated, quarrels often arise which end in mischief; 
and the bitterness and resentments occasioned hereby, 
are frequently of long continuance: again, their skins 
and furs, gotten through much fatigue and hard travels 
in hunting, with which they intended to buy clothing; 
when they become intoxicated they often sell at a low 
rate for more rum; and afterward, when they suffer 
for want of the necessaries of life, are angry with 
those who, for the sake of gain, took the advantage 
of their weakness. Of this their chiefs have often 
complained, at their treaties with the English. 

Where cunning people pass counterfeits, and impose 
that on others which is good for nothing, it is consid- 
ered as a wickedness; but to sell that to people which 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 119 

we know does them harm, and which often works 
their ruin, for the sake of gain, manifests a hardened 
and corrupt heart; and is an evil which demands the 
care of all true lovers of virtue to suppress. And while 
my mind, this evening, was thus employed, I also 
remembered that the people on the frontiers, among 
whom this evil is too common, are often poor; who 
venture to the outside of a colony, that they may 
live more independent on such who are wealthy, 
who often set high rents on their land. Being re- 
newedly confirmed in a belief, that if all our inhabi- 
tants lived according to pure wisdom, labouring to 
promote universal love and righteousness, and ceased 
from every inordinate desire after wealth, and from 
all customs which are tinctured with luxury, — the 
way would be easy for our inhabitants, though much 
more numerous than at present, to live comfortably 
on honest employments, without having that tempta- 
tion they are often under of being drawn into schemes 
to make settlements on lands which have not been 
honestly purchased of the Indians, or of applying to 
that wicked practice of selling rum to them. 

On the 10th day of the 6th month, we set out early 
in the morning, and crossed the western branch of 
Delaware, called the Great Lehigh, near Fort Allen; 
the water being high, we went over in a canoe. Here 
we met an Indian and had some friendly conversation 
with him, and gave him some biscuit; and he having 
killed a deer, gave the Indians with us some of it. — 
Then, after travelling some miles, we met several 
Indian men and women with a cow and horse, and 
some household goods, who were lately come from 
their dwelling at Wyoming, and going to settle at 
another place. We made them some small presents; 
and some of them understanding English, I told them 
my motive in coming into their country; with which 
they appeared satisfied: and one of our guides talking 
a while with an ancient woman concerning us, the 
poor old woman came to my companion and me, and 
took her leave of us with an appearance of sincere 



120 john woolman's journal. 1763 

affection. So going on, we pitched our tent near the 
banks of the same river, having laboured hard in 
crossing some of those mountains called the Blue 
Ridge; and by the roughness of the stones, and the 
cavities between them, and the steepness of the hills 4 
it appeared dangerous: but we were preserved in 
safety, through the kindness of him whose works in 
those mountainous deserts appeared awful; — toward 
whom my heart was turned during this day's travel. 

Near our tent, on the sides of large trees peeled for 
that purpose, were various representations of men 
going to, and returning from the wars, and of some 
killed in battle: this being a path heretofore used by 
warriors. And as I walked about viewing those In- 
dian histories, which were painted mostly in red, but 
some with black, — and thinking on the innumerable 
afflictions which the proud, fierce spirit produceth 
in the world; — thinking on the toils and fatigues of 
warriors, travelling over mountains and deserts; — 
thinking on their miseries and distresses when wound- 
ed far from home by their enemies; — and of their 
bruises and great weariness in chasing one another 
over the rocks and mountains; — and of their restless, 
unquiet state of mind, who live in this spirit; — and of 
the hatred which mutually grows up in the minds of 
the children of those nations engaged in war with each 
other: during these meditations, the desire to cherish 
the spirit of love and peace amongst these people, 
arose very fresh in me. 

This was the first night that we lodged in the woods; 
and being wet with travelling in the rain, the ground 
and our tent wet, and the bushes which we purposed 
to lay under our blankets being also wet, all looked 
discouraging; but I believed that it was the Lord who 
had thus far brought me forward, and that he would 
dispose of me as he saw good, and therein I felt easy. 
So we kindled a fire, with our tent door open to it; 
and with some bushes next the ground, and then our 
blankets, we made our bed; and lying down, got some 
sleep. In the morning, feeling a little unwell, I went 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 121 

into the river; the water was cold, but soon after I 
felt fresh and well. 

The 11th of 6th month, the bushes being wet, we 
tarried in our tent till about eight o'clock; then going 
on, we crossed a high mountain, supposed to be up- 
wards of four miles over; the steepness of the north 
side exceeding all the others. We also crossed two 
swamps; and it raining near night, we pitched our 
tent and lodged. 

About noon, on our way, we were overtaken by 
one of the Moravian brethren, going to Wehaloosing, 
and an Indian man with him who could talk English; 
and we, being together while our horses eat grass, had 
some friendly conversation; but they travelling faster 
than we, soon left us. This Moravian, I understood, 
had spent some time this spring at Wehaloosing, and 
was, by some of the Indians, invited to come again. 

The 12th, and first of the week, being a rainy day, 
we continued in our tent: and here I was led to think 
on the nature of the exercise which hath attended me. 
Love was the first motion, and thence a concern arose 
to spend some time with the Indians, that I might 
feel and understand their life, and the spirit they live 
in, if happily I might receive some instruction from 
them, or they be in any degree helped forward by my 
following the leadings of Truth amongst them. And 
as it pleased the Lord to make way for my going at 
a time when the troubles of war were increasing, and 
when, by reason of much wet weather, travelling was 
more difficult than usual at that season, I looked upon 
it as a more favourable opportunity to season my mind, 
and bring me into a nearer sympathy with them. — 
And as mine eye was to the great Father of mercies, 
humbly desiring to learn what his will was concerning 
me, I was made quiet and content. 

Our guide's horse, though hoppled, went away in 
the night; and after finding our own, and searching 
some time for him, his footsteps were discovered in 
the path going back again; whereupon my kind com- 
panion went off in the rain, and after about seven 
11 



122 JOHN woolman's journal. 1763 

hours, returned with him: and here we lodged again; 
tying up our horses before we went to bed, and loos- 
ing them to feed about break of day. 

13th. The sun appearing, we set forward; and as I 
rode over the barren hills, my meditations were on 
the alterations of the circumstances of the natives of 
this land since the coming in of the English. The 
lands near the sea are conveniently situated for fish- 
ing; the lands near the rivers, where the tides flow, 
and some above, are in many places fertile, and not 
mountainous; while the running of the tides makes 
passing up and down easy with any kind of traffic. 
Those natives have, in some places, for trifling con- 
siderations, sold their inheritance so favourably situa- 
ted; and in other places, been driven back by superior 
force. So that, in many places, as their way of clo- 
thing themselves is now altered from what it was, 
and they, far remote from us, have to pass over 
mountains, swamps, and barren deserts, where tra- 
velling is very troublesome, in bringing their skins 
and furs to trade with us. 

By the extending of English settlements, and part- 
ly by English hunters, the wild beasts they chiefly 
depend on for a subsistence, are not so plenty as they 
were; and people too often, for the sake of gain, open 
a door for them to waste their skins and furs, in pur- 
chasing a liquor which tends to the ruin of them and 
their families. 

My own will and desires being now very much 
broken, and my heart with much earnestness turned 
to the Lord, to whom alone I looked for help in the 
dangers before me, — I had a prospect of the English 
along the coast, for upwards of nine hundred miles 
where I have travelled; and the favourable situation 
of the English, and the difficulties attending the na- 
tives in many places, and the negroes, were open be- 
fore me; and a weighty and heavenly care came over 
my mind, and love filled my heart toward all man- 
kind, in which I felt a strong engagement that we 
might be obedient to the Lord, while, in tender mer- 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 123 

cies, he is yet calling to us; and so attend to pure 
universal righteousness, as to give no just cause of 
offence to the Gentiles, who do not profess Christian- 
ity, whether the hlacks from Africa, or the native 
inhabitants of this continent. And here I was led 
into a close, laborious inquiry, whether I, as an indi- 
vidual, kept clear from all things which tended to 
stir up, or were connected with wars, either in this 
land or Africa; and my heart was deeply concerned 
that in future I might in all things keep steadily to 
the pure Truth, and live and walk in the plainness 
and simplicity of a sincere follower of Christ. And 
in this lonely journey, I did, this day, greatly bewail 
the spreading of a wrong spirit; believing that the 
prosperous, convenient situation of the English, re- 
quires a constant attention to Divine love and wis- 
dom, to guide and support us in a way answerable to 
the will of that good, gracious, and Almighty Being, 
who hath an equal regard to all mankind. And here, 
luxury and covetousness, with the numerous oppres- 
sions and other evils attending them, appeared very 
afflicting to me; and I felt in that which is immutable, 
that the seeds of great calamity and desolation are 
sown and growing fast on this continent. Nor have 
I words sufficient to set forth that longing I then felt, 
that we who are placed along the coast, and have 
tasted the love and goodness of God, might arise in 
his strength; and, like faithful messengers, labour to 
check the growth of these seeds, that they may not 
ripen to the ruin of our posterity. 

We reached the Indian settlement at Wyoming; 
and here we were told that an Indian runner had 
been at that place a day or two before us, and brought 
news of the Indians taking an English fort westward, 
and destroying the people; and that they were endea- 
vouring to take another. And also, that another In- 
dian runner came there about the middle of the night 
before we got there, who came from a town about ten 
miles above Wehaloosing, and brought news that 
some Indian warriors from distant parts, came to 



124 JOHN woolman's journal. 1763 

that town with two English scalps, and told the peo- 
ple that it was war with the English. 

Our guides took us to the house of a very ancient 
man; and soon after we had put in our baggage, there 
came a man from another Indian house some distance 
off; and I perceiving there was a man near the door, 
went out; and he having a tomahawk wrapped under 
his matchcoat out of sight, as I approached him, he 
took it in his hand. I, however, went forward, and 
speaking to him in a friendly way, perceived he un- 
derstood some English. My companion then coming 
out, we had some talk with him concerning the nature 
of our visit in these parts; and then, he going into the 
house with us, and talking with our guides, soon ap- 
peared friendly, and sat dowm and smoked his pipe. 
Though his taking the hatchet in his hand at the in- 
stant I drew near to him, had a disagreeable appear- 
ance, I believed he had no other intent than to be in 
readiness in case any violence was offered to him. 

Hearing the news brought by these Indian runners, 
and being told by the Indians where we lodged that 
what Indians were about Wyoming expected in a few 
days to move to some larger towns, I thought that, to 
all outward appearance, it was dangerous travelling at 
this time; and was, after a hard day's journey, brought 
into a painful exercise at night, in which I had to trace 
back, and view over the steps I had taken from my 
first moving in the visit. And though I had to be- 
wail some weakness which, at times, had attended 
me, yet I could not find that I had ever given way to 
a wilful disobedience: and as I believed I had, under 
a sense of duty, come thus far, I was now earnest in 
spirit beseeching the Lord to show me what I ought 
to do. In this great distress I grew jealous of myself, 
lest the desire of reputation, as a man firmly settled 
to persevere through dangers, or the fear of disgrace 
arising on my returning without performing the visit, 
might have some place in me. Thus I lay, full of 
thoughts, great part of the night, while my beloved 
companion lay and slept by me; till the Lord, my 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 125 

gracious Father, who saw the conflicts of my soul, 
was pleased to give quietness; and therein I was re- 
nevvedly confirmed that it was my duty to go for- 
ward. Then I was again strengthened to commit 
my life, and all things relating thereto, into his hea- 
venly hands; and getting a little sleep toward day, 
when morning came we arose. 

On the 14th, we sought out and visited all the In- 
dians hereabouts that we could meet with; they being 
chiefly in one place, about a mile from where we lodg- 
ed, in all perhaps twenty. Here I expressed the care 
I had on my mind for their good; and told them that 
true love had made me willing thus to leave my home 
and family to come and see the Indians, and speak 
with them in their houses. Some of them under- 
stood English, and appeared kind and friendly. So 
we took our leave of these Indians, and went up the 
river Susquehannah, about three miles, to the house 
of an Indian, called Jacob January, who had killed 
his hog, and the women were making store of bread, 
and preparing to move up the river. Here our pilots 
left their canoe when they came down in the spring, 
which, lying dry, was leaky; so that we, being de- 
tained some hours, had a good deal of friendly con- 
versation with the family; and eating dinner with 
them, we made them some small presents. Then 
putting our baggage in the canoe, some of them 
pushed slowly up the stream, and the rest of us rode 
our horses; and swimming them over a creek called 
Lahawahamunk, we pitched our tent a little above it, 
there being a shower in the evening: and in a sense 
of God's goodness in helping me in my distress, sus- 
taining me under trials, and inclining my heart to 
trust in him, I lay down in an humble bowed frame 
of mind, and had a comfortable night's lodging. 

On the 15th, we proceeded forward till afternoon; 
when a storm appearing, we met our canoe at an ap- 
pointed place; and the rain continuing, we stayed all 
night, which was so heavy, that it beat through our 
tent, and wet us and our baggage. 
U* 



126 john woolman's journal. 1763 

16th. We found, on our way, abundance of trees 
blown down with the storm yesterday; and had oc- 
casion reverently to consider the kind dealings of the 
Lord, who provided a safe place for us in a valley, 
while this storm continued. By the falling of abun- 
dance of trees across our path, we were much hinder- 
ed, and in some swamps our way was so stopped, that 
we got through with extreme difficulty. 

I had this day often to consider myself as a sojour- 
ner in this world; and a belief in the all-sufficiency 
of God to support his people in their pilgrimage, felt 
comfortable to me; and I was industriously employed 
to get to a state of perfect resignation. 

We seldom saw our canoe but at appointed places, 
by reason of the path going off from the river: and 
this afternoon, Job Chilaway, an Indian from Weha- 
loosing, who talks good English, and is acquainted 
with several people in and about Philadelphia, met 
our people on the river; and understanding where 
we expected to lodge, pushed back about six miles, 
and came to us after night; and in a while our own 
canoe came, it being hard work pushing up stream. 
Job told us that an Indian came in haste to their 
town yesterday, and told them that three warriors, 
coming from some distance, lodged in a town above 
Wehaloosing a few nights past; and that these three 
men were going against the English at Juniata. Job 
was going down the river to the province store at 
Shamokin. 

Though I was so far favoured with health as to 
continue travelling, yet through the various difficul- 
ties in our journey, and the different way of living 
from what I had been used to, I grew weak: and the 
news of these warriors being on their march so near 
us, and not knowing whether we might not fall in 
with them, was a fresh trial of my faith. And though, 
through the strength of Divine love, I had several 
times been enabled to commit myself to the Divine 
disposal, I still found the want of my strength being 
renewed, that I might persevere therein; and my 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. ft 127 

cries for help were put up to the Lord, who, in great 
mercy? gave me a resigned heart, in which I found 
quietness. 

On the 17th, parting from Job Chilaway, we went 
on, and reached Wehaloosing about the middle of the 
afternoon. The first Indian that we saw was a woman 
of a modest countenance, with a babe. She first spake 
to our guide, and then, with a harmonious voice, ex- 
pressed her gladness at seeing us; having before heard 
of our coming. Then, by the direction of our guide, 
we sat dc-wn on a log; and he went to the town to tell 
the people we were come. My companion and I sit- 
ting thus together, in a deep inward stillness, the poor 
woman came and sat near us: and great awfulness 
coming over us, we rejoiced in a sense of God's love 
manifested to our poor souls. After a while, we 
heard a conksheil blow several times, and then came 
John Curtis, and another Indian man, who kindly in- 
vited us into a house near the town, where we found, 
I suppose, about sixty people sitting in silence. Af- 
ter sitting a short time, I stood up, and in some ten- 
derness of spirit acquainted them with the nature of 
my visit, and that a concern for their good had made 
me willing to come thus far to see them: all in a few 
short sentences, which some of them understanding, 
interpreted to the others, and there appeared gladness 
amongst them. Then I showed them my certificate, 
which was explained to them; and the Moravian, 
who overtook us on the way, being now here, bade 
me welcome. 

18th. We rested ourselves this forenoon; and the 
Indians, knowing that the Moravian and I were of 
different religious societies, and as some of their peo- 
ple had encouraged him to come and stay a while 
with them, were, I believe, concerned that no jarring 
or discord might be in their meetings. And they, I 
suppose, having conferred together, acquainted me 
that the people, at my request, would at any time 
come together and hold meetings; and also told me 
that they expected the Moravian would speak in their 



128 , john woolman's journal. 1763 

settled meetings, which are commonly held morning 
and near evening. So I found liberty in my heart to 
speak to the Moravian, and told him of the care I felt 
on my mind for the good of these people; and that I 
believed no ill effects would follow it, if I sometimes 
spake in their meetings when love engaged me there- 
to, without calling them together at times when they 
did not meet of course: whereupon he expressed his 
good-will toward my speaking at any time, all that I 
found in my heart to say. So, near evening I was at 
their meeting, where the pure gospel love was felt, to 
the tendering some of our hearts; and the interpreters 
endeavouring to acquaint the people with what I said, 
in short sentences, found some difficulty, as none of 
them were quite perfect in the English and Delaware 
tongues; so they helped one another, and we laboured 
along, Divine love attending: and afterwards, feeling 
my mind covered with the spirit of prayer, I told the 
interpreters that I found it in my heart to pray to God, 
and believed, if I prayed aright, he would hear me; 
and expressed my willingness for them to omit inter- 
preting. So our meeting ended with a degree of Di- 
vine love: and before the people went out, I observed 
Papunehang (the man who had been zealous in labour- 
ing for a reformation in that town, being then very 
tender) spoke to one of the interpreters; and I was 
afterwards told that he said in substance as follows; 
"I love to feel where words come from." 

19th of 6th month, and first of the week. This 
morning in the meeting the Indian who came with 
the Moravian, being also a member of that society, 
prayed; and then the Moravian spake a short time to 
the people. And in the afternoon, they coming to- 
gether, and my heart being filled with a heavenly 
care for their good, I spake to them awhile by inter- 
preters; but none of them being perfect in the work, 
and I feeling the current of love run strong, told the 
interpreters that I believed some of the people would 
understand me, and so I proceeded: in which exercise 
I believe the Holy Spirit wrought on some hearts to 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 129 

edification, where all the words were not understood. 
I looked upon it as a time of Divine favour, and my 
heart was tendered and truly thankful before the Lord: 
and after I sat down, one of the interpreters seemed 
spirited to give the Indians the substance of what I 
had said. 

Before our first meeting this morning, I was led to 
meditate on the manifold difficulties of these Indians, 
who, by the permission of the Six Nations, dwell in 
these parts; and a near sympathy with them was rais- 
ed in me; and my heart being enlarged in the love of 
God, I thought that the affectionate care of a good man 
for his only brother in affliction, does not exceed 
what I then felt for that people. 

I came to this place through much trouble; and 
though, through the mercies of God, I believed that 
if I died in the journey, it would be well with me; 
yet the thoughts of falling into the hands of Indian 
warriors, were, in times of weakness, afflicting to me. 
And being of a tender constitution of body, the 
thoughts of captivity amongst them were, at times, 
grievous; as supposing that they, being strong and 
hardy, might demand service of me beyond what I 
could well bear; but the Lord alone was my helper; 
and I believed, if I went into captivity, it would be 
for some good end: and thus, from time to time, my 
mind was centred in resignation, in which I always 
found quietness. And now, this day, though I had 
the same dangerous wilderness between me and home, 
I was inwardly joyful that the Lord had strengthened 
me to come on this visit, and manifested a fatherly 
care over me in my poor lowly condition, when in 
mine own eyes I appeared inferior to many amongst 
the Indians. 

When the last mentioned meeting was ended, it 
being night, Papunehang went to bed; and one of the 
interpreters sitting by me, I observed Papunehang 
spoke with an harmonious voice, I suppose, a minute 
or two: and asking the interpreter, was told that he 
was expressing his thankfulness to God for the favours 



130 john woolman's journal. 1763 

he had received that day; and prayed that he would 
continue to favour him with that same which he had 
experienced in that meeting. Although Papunehang 
had before agreed to receive the Moravian, and to join 
with them, he still appeared kind and loving to us. 

On the 20th, I was at two meetings, and silent in 
them. 21st. This morning in meeting my heart was 
enlarged in pure love amongst them, and in short 
plain sentences I expressed several things that rested 
upon me; which one of the interpreters gave the peo- 
ple pretty readily. After which, the meeting ended 
in supplication, and I had cause humbly to acknow- 
ledge the loving-kindness of the Lord toward us; and 
then I believed that a door remained open for the faith- 
ful disciples of Jesus Christ, to labour amongst these 
people. 

I now feeling my mind at liberty to return, took 
my leave of them in general, at the conclusion of what 
I said in meeting; and so we prepared to go homeward. 
But some of their most active men toid us, that when 
we were ready to move, the people would choose to 
come and shake hands with us; which those who usu- 
ally came to meeting did: and from a secret draught 
in my mind, I went amongst some who did not use 
to go to meeting, and took my leave of them also; 
and the Moravian and his Indian interpreter appear- 
ed respectful to us at parting. 

This town stands on the bank of Susquehannah, and 
consists, I believe, of about forty houses, mostly com- 
pact together; some about thirty feet long, and eigh- 
teen wide, some bigger, some less; mostly built of 
split plank, one end set in the ground, and the other 
pinned to a plate, on which lay rafters, and covered 
with bark. I understand a great flood last winter 
overflowed the chief part of the ground where the 
town stands; and some were now about moving their 
houses to higher ground. 

We expected only two Indians to be our company; 
but when we were ready to go, we found many of 
them were going to Bethlehem with skins and furs, 



1 



TRAVELS IN PENNSYLVANIA. 131 

who chose to go in company with us. So they load- 
ed two canoes, which they desired us to go in, telling 
i>s that the waters were so raised with the rains that 
the horses should be taken by such who were better 
acquainted with the fording places. So we, with 
several Indians, went in the canoes, and others went 
on horses, there being seven besides ours; and we 
met with the horsemen once on the way by appoint- 
ment, and then again near night, a little below a 
branch called Tankhannah; so we lodged there; and 
some of the young men going out a little before dusk 
with their guns, brought in a deer. 

On the 22d, through diligence, we reached Wyo- 
ming before night, and understood the Indians were 
mostly gone from this place. Here we went up a 
small creek into the woods with our canoes, and 
pitching our tent, carried out our baggage; and before 
dark our horses came to us. 

23d. In the morning their horses were loaded, and 
we prepared our baggage and so set forward, being in 
all fourteen; and with diligent travelling were favour- 
ed to get near half way to Fort Allen. The land on 
this road from Wyoming to our frontier being mostly 
poor, and good grass scarce, they chose a piece of low 
ground to lodge on, as the best for grazing; and I, 
having sweat much in travelling, and being weary, 
slept sound. I perceived in the night that I had taken 
cold, of which I was favoured to get better soon. 

24th. We passed Fort Allen, and lodged near it 
in the woods; having forded the westerly branch of 
Delaware three times, and thereby had a shorter way, 
and missed going over the highest part of the Blue 
Mountains, called the Second Ridge. In the second 
time fording, where the river cuts through the moun- 
tain, the waters being rapid and pretty deep, and my 
companion's mare being a tall tractable animal, he 
sundry times drove her back through the river, and 
they loaded her with the burdens of some small horses, 
which they thought not sufficient to come thro' with 
their loads. 



132 john woolman's journal. 1763 

The troubles westward, and the difficulty for Indians 
to pass through our frontier, I apprehend was one rea- 
son why so many came; as expecting that our being 
in company, would prevent the outside inhabitants 
from being surprised. 

25th. We reached Bethlehem, taking care on the 
way to keep foremost, and to acquaint people on and 
near the road who these Indians were. This we found 
very needful; for the frontier inhabitants were often 
alarmed at the report of English being killed by In- 
dians westward. 

Amongst our company were some who I did not 
remember to have seen at meeting, and some of these 
at first were very reserved; but we being several days 
together, and behaving friendly toward them, and 
making them suitable returns for the services they 
did us, they became more free and sociable. 

On the 26th of 6th month, and first of the week, 
having carefully endeavoured to settle all affairs with 
the Indians relative to our journey, we took leave of 
them, and I thought they generally parted with us af- 
fectionately. So we, getting to Richland, had a very 
comfortable meeting amongst our friends. Here I 
parted with my kind friend and companion, Benja- 
min Parvin; and, accompanied by my friend Samuel 
Foulke, we rode to John Cadwallader's, from whence 
I reached home the next day, where I found my fami- 
ly middling well. And they and my friends all along 
appeared glad to see me return from a journey which 
they apprehended dangerous: but my mind, while I 
was out, had been so employed in striving for a per- 
fect resignation, and I had so often been confirmed in 
a belief that whatever the Lord might be pleased to 
allot for me, would work for good, that I was now 
careful lest I should admit any degree of sefishness in 
being glad overmuch, and laboured to improve by 
those trials in such a manner as my gracious Father 
and protector intends for me. 

Between the English inhabitants and Wehaloosing, 
we had only a narrow path, which in many places is 



JOHN WOOLMiN's JOURNAL. 133 

much grown up with bushes, and interrupted by abun- 
dance of trees lying across it; these, together with the 
mountains, swamps, and rough stones, make it a dif- 
ficult road to travel; and the more so, for that rattle- 
snakes abound there, of which we killed four: so that 
people who have never been in such places, have but 
an imperfect idea of them. But I was not only taught 
patience, but also made thankful to God, who thus 
led me about and instructed me, that I might have a 
quick and lively feeling of the afflictions of my fellow- 
creatures, whose situation in life is difficult. 



12 



134 



CHAPTER IX. 

His religious conversation with a company met to see the tricks of a 
Juggler — His account of John Smith's advice, and of the proceed- 
ings of a committee at the Yearly Meeting in 1764 — Contemplations 
on the nature of true wisdom, occasioned by hearing of the cfuelty 
of the Indians to their captives — His visiting the families of Friends 
at Mount Holly, Mansfield and Burlington in 1764, and the meet- 
ings on the sea coast from Cape May toward Squan in 1765 — His 
visit to the lower counties on Delaware and the Eastern Shore of 
Maryland in 1766, in company with John Sleeper; with some account 
of Joseph Nichols and his followers ; and observations on the differ- 
ent state of the first settlers in Pennsylvania who depended on their 
own labour, and those of the southern provinces who kept Negroes — 
His visiting the northern parts of New Jersey the same year, and 
the western parts of Maryland and Pennsylvania in 1767, and after- 
wards other parts of Pennsylvania, and the families of Friends at 
Mount Holly; and again several parts of Maryland in 1768 — Further 
considerations on keeping Slaves; and his concern for having form- 
erly, as an executor, been party to the sale of one; and what he did 
in consequence of it — Thoughts on Friends exercising offices in civil 
government. 

The latter part of the summer, 1763, there came a 
man to Mount Holly, who had before published, by a 
printed advertisement, that at a certain public house, 
he would show many wonderful operations, which he 
therein enumerated. 

This man, at the time appointed, did, by slight of 
hand, sundry things; which, to those gathered, ap- 
peared strange. 

The next day, I hearing of it, and understanding 
that the show was to be continued the next night, 
and the people to meet about sunset, felt an exercise 
on that account: so I went to the public house in the 
evening, and told the man of the house that I had an 
inclination to spend a part of the evening there; with 
which he signified that he was content. Then, sit- 
ting down by the door, I spake to the people as they 
came together, concerning this show: and more com- 
ing and sitting down with us, the seats at the door 
were mostly filled; and I had conversation with them 



john woolman's journal. 135 

in the fear of the Lord, and laboured to convince 
them that thus assembling to see those tricks or 
slights of hand, and bestowing their money to sup- 
port men, who in that capacity were of no use in the 
world, was contrary to the nature of the christian re- 
ligion. 

There was one of the company who, for a time, 
endeavoured by arguments to show the reasonable- 
ness of their proceedings herein; but after consider- 
ing some texts of scripture, and calmly debating the 
matter, he gave up the point. So, having spent about 
an hour amongst them, and feeling my mind easy, I 
departed. 

At our Yearly Meeting at Philadelphia, on the 25th 
of the 9th month, 1764, John Smith of Marlborough, 
Chester county, aged upwards of eighty years, a faith- 
ful minister, though not eloquent, stood up in our 
meeting of ministers and elders, and appearing to be 
under a great exercise of spirit, informed Friends in 
substance as follows: That he had been a member of 
the society upward of sixty years, and well remem- 
bered that in those early times Friends were a plain 
lowly-minded people; and that there was much ten- 
derness and contrition in their meetings — That at the 
end of twenty years from that time, the society in- 
creasing in wealth, and in some degree conforming 
to the fashions of the world, true humility was less 
apparent, and their meetings in general were not so 
lively and edifying — That at the end of forty years, 
many of them were grown very rich; that wearing of 
fine costly garments, and using of silver and other 
watches, with fashionable furniture, became customa- 
ry with them, their sons, and their daughters, and 
many of the society made a specious appearance in 
the world. And as these things prevailed in the so- 
ciety, and appeared in our meetings of ministers and 
elders; so the powerful overshadowings of the Holy 
Spirit were less manifested amongst us — That there 
had been a continued increase of outward greatness 
even until now; and that the weakness amongst us in 



136 john woolman's journal. 1764 

not living up to our principles, and supporting the 
testimony of Truth in faithfulness, — was matter of 
much sorrow. 

He then mentioned the uncertainty of his attend- 
ing Yearly Meetings in future,* expecting his disso- 
lution was near. And as pious parents, finally depart- 
ing from their families, express their last and fervent 
desires for their good, — so did he most tenderly ex- 
press his concern for us; and signified that he had 
seen in the true Light, that the Lord would bring 
forth his people from that worldly spirit, into which 
too many were thus degenerated; but that his faithful 
servants must go through great and heavy exercises 
before this work was brought about. 

On the 29th, the committee appointed by the 
Yearly Meeting to visit the Quarterly and monthly 
meetings, now gave an account in writing of their 
proceedings in that service; in which they signified, 
that in the course of it, they had been apprehensive 
that some persons holding offices in government, in- 
consistent with our principles; and others who kept 
slaves, remaining active members in our meetings of 
discipline, had been one means of weakness more and 
more prevailing in the management thereof in some 
places. After this report was read, an exercise re- 
vived on my mind, which, at times, had attended me 
several years, and inward cries to the Lord were rais- 
ed in me, that the fear of man might not prevent me 
from doing what he required of me; and so standing 
up in his fear, I spake in substance as follows: I have 
felt a tenderness in my mind toward persons, in two 
circumstances mentioned in that report: that is, to- 
ward such active members who keep slaves, and such 
who hold offices in civil government; and have desir- 
ed, that Friends in all their conduct may be kindly 
affectioned one toward another. Many Friends who 
keep slaves, are under some exercise on that account; 
and, at times, think about trying them with freedom; 

* It was the last Yearly Meeting he attended. 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 137 

but find many things in their way: and the way of 
Jiving, and annual expenses of some of them are such, 
that it seems impracticable for them to set their slaves 
free, without changing their own way of life. It has 
been my lot to be often abroad; and I have observed 
in some places, at Quarterly and Yearly Meetings, 
and at some houses where travelling Friends and 
their horses are often entertained, that the yearly ex- 
pense of individuals therein is very considerable: and 
Friends in some places crowding much on persons in 
these circumstances for entertainment, hath often rest- 
ed as a burden on my mind for some years past; and 
I now express it in the fear of the Lord, greatly de- 
siring that Friends now present may duly consider it. 

In the fall of this year, having hired a man to work, 
I perceived, in conversation, that he had been a sol- 
dier in the late war on this continent; and in the even- 
ing, giving a narrative of his captivity amongst the 
Indians, he informed me that he saw two of his fel- 
low captives tortured to death in a very cruel manner. 
This relation affected me with sadness, under which 
I went to bed: and the next morning, soon after I 
awoke, a fresh and living sense of Divine love was 
spread over my mind; in which I had a renewed 
prospect of the nature of that wisdom from above, 
which leads to a right use of all gifts, both spiritual 
and temporal, and gives content therein. Under a 
feeling thereof, I wrote as follows: 

Hath He, who gave me a being attended with ma- 
ny wants unknown to brute-creatures, given me a ca- 
pacity superior to theirs; and shown me, that a mod- 
erate application to business is proper to my present 
condition; and that this, attended with his blessing, 
may supply all outward wants, while they remain 
within the bounds he hath fixed; and no imaginary 
wants proceeding from an evil spirit, have any place 
in me? Attend then, my soul! to this pure wisdom, 
as thy sure conductor through the manifold dangers 
in this world!. 
12* 



138 john woolman's journal. 1764 

Doth pride lead to vanity? Doth vanity form ima- 
ginary wants? Do these wants prompt men to exert 
their power in requiring that of others, which them- 
selves would rather be excused from, were the same 
required of them? 

Do these proceedings beget hard thoughts? Do 
hard thoughts, when ripe, become malice? Does ma- 
lice, when ripe, become revengeful; and in the end 
inflict terrible pains on their fellow- creatures, and 
spread desolations in the world? 

Doth mankind, walking in uprightness, delight in 
each other's happiness? And do these creatures, ca- 
pable of this attainment, by giving way to an evil 
spirit, employ their wit and strength to afflict and 
destroy one another? 

Remember then, my soul! the quietude of those 
in whom Christ governs, and in all thy proceedings 
feel after it! 

Doth he condescend to bless thee with his presence? 
To move and influence to action? To dwell in thee, 
and walk in thee? Remember then thy station, as a 
being sacred to God; accept of the strength freely of- 
fered thee; and take heed that no weakness, in con- 
forming to expensive, unwise, and hard-hearted cus- 
toms, gendering to discord and strife, be given way 
to. Doth he claim my body as his temple, and gra- 
ciously grant that I may be sacred to him? Oh! that 
I may prize this favour; and that my whole life may 
be conformable to this character! 

Remember, my soul! that the prince of peace is 
thy Lord: that he communicates his pure wisdom to 
his family; that they living in perfect simplicity, may 
give no just cause of offence to any creature, but may 
walk as he walked! 

Having felt an openness in my heart toward visit- 
ing families in our own meeting, and especially in 
the town of Mount Holly, the place of my abode, I 
mentioned it in our monthly meeting the fore part of 
the winter, 1764; which being agreed to, and several 



TRAVELS IN NEW JERSEY. 139 

Friends of our meeting being united in the exercise, 
we proceeded therein; and through* Divine favour 
were helped in the work, so that it appeared to me 
as a fresh reviving of godly care amongst Friends. 
And the latter part of the same winter, I joined my 
friend William Jones, in a visit to Friends' families 
in Mansfield; in which labour, I had cause to admire 
the goodness of the Lord towards us. 

Having felt my mind drawn toward a visit to 
Friends along the sea-coast from Cape May to near 
Squan; and also to visit some people in those parts, 
amongst whom there is no settled worship; I joined 
with my beloved friend Benjamin Jones, in a visit 
there, having Friends unity therein. And setting 
off the 24th day of the 10th month, 1765, we had a 
prosperous and very satisfactory journey; feeling, at 
times, through the goodness of the heavenly Shep- 
herd, the gospel to flow freely toward a poor people 
scattered in those places. And soon after our return, 
I joined my friends, John Sleeper and Elizabeth 
Smith, in visiting Friends' families at Burlington; 
there being at this time about fifty families of our so- 
ciety in that city: and we had cause humbly to adore 
our heavenly Father, who baptized us into a feeling 
of the state of the people, and strengthened us to la- 
bour in true gospel love amongst them. And near 
the same time, my friend John Sleeper and I per- 
formed a visit to Friends' families belonging to An- 
cocas meeting; in which I found true satisfaction. 

An exercise having, at times, for several years, at- 
tended me, in regard to paying a religious visit to 
Friends on the Eastern Shore of Maryland; — such 
was the nature of this exercise, that I believed the 
Lord moved me to travel on foot amongst them, that 
by so travelling I might have a more lively feeling 
of the condition of the oppressed slaves, set an ex- 
ample of lowliness before the eyes of their masters, 
and be more out of the way of temptation to unprofit- 
able familiar converse, and be at less expense among 
them. 



140 john woolman's journal. 1766 

The time now drawing near in which I believed 
it my duty to lay my concern before our monthly 
meeting, I perceived in conversation with my belov- 
ed friend John Sleeper, that he was under a concern 
to travel the same way, and also to travel "on foot 
in the form of a servant amongst them/' as he ex- 
pressed it. This he told me before he knew aught 
of my exercise. 

We being thus drawn the same way, laid our exer- 
cise and the nature of it before Friends; and obtain- 
ing certificates, we set off the 6th day of the 5th month, 
1766; and were at meetings with Friends at Wilming- 
ton, Duck Creek, Little Creek and Motherkill. My 
heart was sundry times tendered under the Divine in- 
fluence, and enlarged in love toward the people amongst 
whom we travelled. From Motherkill, we crossed 
the country about thirty-five miles to Friends at Tuck- 
ahoe, in Maryland, and had a meeting there, and also 
at Marshy Creek. 

At these, our three last meetings, were a considera- 
ble number of people, followers of one Joseph Nichols, 
a preacher; who, I understand, is not in outward fel- 
lowship with any religious society of people, but pro- 
fesseth nearly the same principles as our society doth, 
and often travels up and down appointing meetings, 
to which many people come. I heard some Friends 
speaking of some of their neighbours who had been 
irreligious people, that were now his followers, and 
were become sober well-behaved men and women. — - 
Some irregularities, I hear, have been amongst the 
people at several of his meetings; but from the whole 
of what I have perceived, I believe the man and some 
of his followers are honestly disposed, but that skilful 
fathers are wanting among them. 

From hence we went to Choptank and Third Ha- 
ven; and thence to Queen Ann's. The weather hav- 
ing some days past been hot and dry, and we to attend 
meetings pursuant to appointment, having travelled 
pretty steadily, and' had hard labour in meetings, I 
grew weakly; at which I was for a time discouraged. 



JOHN woolman's journal. 141 

But looking over our journey, and thinking how the 
Lord had supported our minds and bodies, so that we 
got forward much faster than I expected before we 
came out, I now saw that I had been in danger of too 
strongly desiring to get soon through the journey, and 
that this bodily weakness now attending me was a 
kindness to me. And then, in contrition of spirit, I 
became very thankful to my gracious Father for this 
manifestation of his love;, and in humble submission 
to his will, my trust was renewed in him. 

In this part of our journey, I had many thoughts 
on the different circumstances of Friends who inhabit 
Pennsylvania and Jersey, from those who dwell in 
Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina. Pennsylvania and 
New Jersey were settled by many Friends, who were 
convinced of our principles in England in times of 
suffering; and, coming over, bought lands of the na- 
tives, and applied themselves to husbandry in a peace- 
able way; and many of their children were taught to 
labour for their living. Few Friends, I believe, came 
from England to settle in any of these southern pro- 
vinces; but by the faithful labours of travelling Friends 
in early times, there was considerable convincements 
amongst the inhabitants of these parts. 

Here I remembered reading of the warlike disposi- 
tion of many of the first settlers in these provinces, 
and of their numerous engagements with the natives, 
in which much blood was shed, even in the infancy 
of those colonies. These people, inhabiting those 
places, being grounded in customs contrary to the 
pure Truth, — when some of them were affected with 
the powerful preaching of the word of Life, and join- 
ed in fellowship with our society, they had a great 
work to go through. 

It is observable in the History of the Reformation 
from Popery, that it had a gradual progress from age 
to age. The uprightness of the first reformers, in at- 
tending to the light and understanding given them, 
opened the way for sincere-hearted people to proceed 
further afterward. And thus, each one truly fearing 



142 john woolman's journal. 1766 

God, and labouring in those works of righteousness 
appointed for them in their day, findeth acceptance 
with Him: though, through the darkness of the times, 
and the corruption of manners and customs, some up- 
right men may have had little more for their day's 
work than to attend to the righteous principle in their 
minds, as it related to their own conduct in life, with- 
out pointing out to others the whole extent of that 
which the same principle would lead succeeding ages' 
into. 

Thus, for instance, amongst an imperious warlike 
people, supported by oppressed slaves, some of these 
masters, I suppose, are awakened to feel and see their 
error; and, through sincere repentance, cease from op- 
pression, and become like fathers to their servants; 
showing, by their example, a pattern of humility in 
living, and moderation in governing, for the instruc- 
tion and admonition of their oppressing neighbours; 
those, without carrying the reformation further, I be- 
lieve have found acceptance with the Lord. Such 
was the beginning; and those who succeeded them, 
and have faithfully attended to the nature and spirit 
of the reformation, have seen the necessity of proceed- 
ing forward; and not only to instruct others, by their 
example, in governing well, but also to use means to 
prevent their successors from having so much power 
to oppress others. 

Here I was renewedly confirmed in my mind, that 
the Lord (whose tender mercies are over all his works, 
and whose ear is open to the cries and groans of the 
oppressed) is graciously moving on the hearts of peo- 
ple, to draw them off from the desire of wealth, and 
bring them into such a humble, lowly way of living, 
that they may see their way clearly to repair to the 
standard of true righteousness; and not only break 
the yoke of oppression, but know Him to be their 
strength and support in a time of outward affliction. 

We, passing on, crossed Chester river, and had a 
meeting there, and at Cecil and Sassafras. Through 






JOHN woolman's journal. 143 

my bodily weakness, joined with a heavy exercise of 
mind, it was to me an humbling dispensation, and I 
had a very lively feeling of the state of the oppress- 
ed; yet I often thought, that what I suffered was lit- 
tle, compared with the sufferings of the blessed Jesus, 
and many of his faithful followers; and may say with 
thankfulness, I was made content. 

From Sassafras, we went pretty directly home, 
where we found our families well. And for several 
weeks after our return, I had often to look over our 
journey; and though to me it appeared as a small ser- 
vice, and that some faithful messengers will yet have 
more bitter cups to drink in those southern provinces 
for Christ's sake than we had; yet I found peace in 
that I had been helped to walk in sincerity, according 
to the understanding and strength given me. 

On the 13th of the 11th month, 1766, with the uni- 
ty of Friends of our monthly meeting, and in company 
with my beloved friend Benjamin Jones, I set out on 
a visit to Friends in the upper part of this province, 
having had drawings of love in my heart that way a 
considerable time. We travelled as far as Hardwich; 
and I had inward peace in my labours of love amongst 
them. 

Through the humbling dispensation of Divine Pro- 
vidence, my mind hath been brought into a further 
feeling of the difficulties of Friends and their servants 
south-westward: and being often engaged in spirit on 
their account, I believed it my duty to walk into some 
parts of the Western Shore of Maryland, on a reli- 
gious visit. And having obtained a certificate from 
Friends of our monthly meeting, I took leave of my 
family under the heart-tendering operation of Truth; 
and on the 20th of the 4th month, 1767, I rode to 
the ferry opposite to Philadelphia, and from thence 
walked to William Home's at Darby that evening; 
and next day pursued my journey alone, and reached 
Concord week-day meeting. 



144 john woolman's journal. 1767 

Discouragements and a weight of distress had, at 
times, attended me in this lonesome walk; through 
which afflictions, I was mercifully preserved: and 
now, sitting down with Friends, my mind was turn- 
ed toward the Lord, to wait for his holy leadings; 
who, in infinite love, was pleased to soften my heart 
into humble contrition, and did renewedly strengthen 
me to go forward; so that to me it was a time of hea- 
venly refreshment in a silent meeting. 

The next day I came to New Garden week-day 
meeting, in which I sat with bowedness of spirit; and 
being baptized into a feeling of the state of some pre- 
sent, the Lord gave us a heart-tendering season; to 
his name be the praise. I passed on, and was at Not- 
tingham monthly meeting; and at a meeting at Little 
Britain on first-day. And in the afternoon, several 
Friends came to the house where I lodged, and we 
had a little afternoon meeting; and through the hum- 
bling power of Truth, I had to admire the loving 
kindness of the Lord manifested to us. 

26th of 4th month, I crossed Susquehannah; and 
coming amongst people who lived in outward ease 
and greatness, chiefly on the labour of slaves, my 
heart was much affected: and in awful retiredness, my 
mind was gathered inward to the Lord, being humbly 
engaged that in true resignation I might receive in- 
structton from him, respecting my duty amongst this 
people. 

Though travelling on foot was wearisome to my 
body; yet thus travelling, was agreeable to the state 
of my mind. I went gently on, being weakly; and 
was covered with sorrow and heaviness, on account 
of the spreading, prevailing spirit of this world, in- 
troducing customs grievous and oppressive on one 
hand, and cherishing pride and wantonness on the 
other. In this lonely walk and state of abasement and 
humiliation, the state of the church in these parts was 
opened before me; and I may truly say with the pro- 
phet, "I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was 
dismayed at the seeing of it." 






TRAVELS IN MARYLAND. 145 

Under this exercise, I attended the Quarterly meet- 
ing at Gunpowder; and in bowedness of spirit, I had 
to open, with much plainness, what I felt respecting 
Friends living in fullness on the labours of the poor 
oppressed negroes; and that promise of the Most High 
was now revived; — "I will gather all nations and 
tongues; and they shall come and see my glory." — 
Here the sufferings of Christ, and his tasting death for 
every man, and the travels, sufferings and martyrdoms 
of the apostles and primitive christians, in labouring 
for the conversion of the gentiles, was livingly reviv- 
ed in me; and according to the measure of strength 
afforded, I laboured in some tenderness of spirit, be- 
ing deeply affected amongst them. And thus the dif- 
ference between the present treatment which these 
gentiles, the negroes, receive at our hands, and the 
labours of the primitive christians for the conversion 
of the gentiles, — was pressed home, and the power of 
Truth came over us; under a feeling of which, my 
mind was united to a tender-hearted people in those 
parts; and the meeting concluded in a sense of God's 
goodness toward his humble dependant children. 

The next day was a general meeting for worship, 
much crowded; — in which I was deeply engaged in 
inward cries to the Lord for help, that I might stand 
wholly resigned, and move only as he might be pleas- 
ed to lead me: and I was mercifully helped to labour 
honestly and fervently amongst them; in which I 
found inward peace; and the sincere-hearted were 
comforted. 

From hence I turned toward Pipe Creek, and pass- 
ed on to the Red Lands; and had several meetings 
amongst Friends in those parts. My heart was often 
tenderly affected, under a sense of the Lord's good- 
ness, in sanctifying my troubles and exercises, turning 
them to my comfort, and, I believe, to the benefit oi 
many others; for, I may say with thankfulness, that 
in this visit, it appeared like a fresh tendering visita- 
tion in most places. 
13 



146 john woolman's journal. 1768 

I passed on to the Western Quarterly meeting in 
Pennsylvania; and during the several days of this 
meeting, I was mercifully preserved in an inward 
feeling after the mind of Truth, and my public la- 
bours tended to my humiliation; with which 1 was 
content. After the Quarterly meeting of worship 
ended, I felt drawings to go to the women's meeting 
of business; which was very full: and here the humi- 
lity of Jesus Christ, as a pattern for us to walk by, 
was livingly opened before me; and in treating on it, 
my heart was enlarged, and it was a baptizing time. 
From thence I went on, and was at meetings at Con- 
cord, Middletown, Providence, and Haddonfield, and 
so home; where I found my family well. A sense of 
the Lord's merciful preservation in this my journey, 
incites reverent thankfulness to him. 

On the 2nd day of the 9th month, 1767, with the 
unity of Friends, I set off on a visit to Friends in the 
upper part of Berks and Philadelphia counties; — was 
at eleven meetings in about two weeks; and have re- 
newed cause to bow in reverence before the Lord, 
who, by the powerful extendings of his humbling 
goodness, opened my way amongst Friends, and 
made the meetings, I trust, profitable to us. And in 
the winter following, I joined Friends on a visit to 
Friends' families, in some part of our meeting; in 
which exercise the pure influence of Divine love 
made our visits reviving. 

The 5th of the 5th month, 1768, I left home, un- 
der the humbling hand of the Lord; having obtained 
a certificate, in order to visit some meetings in Mary- 
land: and to proceed without a horse, looked clearest 
to me. I was at the Quarterly meetings of Philadel- 
phia and Concord; and then went on to Chester river: 
and, crossing the bay with Friends, was at the Year- 
ly Meeting at West River. Thence back to Chester 
river; and, taking a few meetings in my way, pro- 
ceeded home. It was a journey of much inward 
waiting; and as my eye was to the Lord, way was 






john woolman's journal. 147 

several times opened to my humbling admiration, 
when things had appeared very difficult. 

On my return, I felt a relief of mind, very com- 
fortable to me; having, through Divine help, labour- 
ed in much plainness, both with Friends selected, 
and in the more public meetings; so that, I trust, 
the pure witness in many minds was reached. 

11th of 6th month, 1769. Sundry cases have hap- 
pened of late years, within the limits of our monthly 
meeting, respecting that of exercising pure righteous- 
ness toward the negroes; in which I have lived under 
a labour of heart, that equity might be steadily kept 
to. On this account, I have had some close exercises 
amongst Friends; in which, I may thankfully say, I 
find peace. And as my meditations have been much 
on universal love, my own conduct, in time past, be- 
came of late very grievous to me. As persons setting 
negroes free in our province, are bound by law to 
maintain them in case they have need of relief; some 
who scrupled keeping slaves fur term of life, in the 
time of my youth, were wont to detain their young 
negroes in their service till thirty years of age, with- 
out wages, on that account: and with this custom I 
so far agreed, that I, being joined to another Friend 
in executing the will of a deceased Friend, once sold 
a negro lad till he might attain the age of thirty years, 
and applied the money to the use of the estate. 

With abasement of heart, I may now say, that 
sometimes, as I have sat in meeting with my heart 
exercised toward that awful Being who respecteth 
not persons nor colours, and have looked upon this 
negro lad, I have felt that all was not clear in my 
mind respecting him. And as I have attended to 
this exercise, and fervently sought the Lord, it hath 
appeared to me, that I should make some restitution: 
but in what way I saw not till lately; when, being 
under some concern that 1 might be resigned to go 
on a visit to some part of the West Indies, — I was 
under close engagement of spirit, seeking to the Lord 
for counsel herein; — that of my joining in the sale 



148 john woolman's journal. 1769 

aforesaid, came heavily upon me; and my mind, for 
a time, was covered with darkness and sorrow; and 
under this sore affliction, my heart was softened to 
receive instruction. And here I first saw, that as I 
had been one of the two executors who had sold this 
lad for nine years longer than is common for our own 
children to serve, so I should now offer a part of my 
substance to redeem the last half of that nine years. 
But as the time was not yet come, I executed a bond, 
binding me and my executors to pay to the man he 
was sold to, what to candid men might appear equita- 
ble, for the last four years and a half of his time, in 
case the said youth should be living, and in a condi- 
tion likely to provide comfortably for himself. 

The 9th day of the 10th month, 1769. My heart 
hath often been deeply affected under a feeling I have 
had, that the standard of pure righteousness, is not 
lifted up to the people by us, as a society, in that 
clearness which it might have been, had we been so 
faithful to the teachings of Christ, as we ought to have 
been. And as my mind hath been inward to the 
Lord, the purity of Christ's government hath been 
opened in my understanding: and under this exercise, 
that of Friends being active in civil society, in put- 
ting laws in force which are not agreeable to the pu- 
rity of righteousness, hath for several years past been 
an increasing burden upon me; having felt, in the 
openings of universal love, that where a people con- 
vinced of the truth of the inward teachings of Christ, 
are active in putting laws in execution which are not 
consistent with pure wisdom, it hath a necessary ten- 
dency to bring dimness over their minds. And as 
my heart hath been thus exercised, and a tender sym- 
pathy in me toward my fellow members, I have, within 
a few months past, in several meetings for discipline, 
expressed my concern on this subject. 



149 



CHAPTER X. 

Under some indisposition, his body, by abstinence, much weakened; 
and his mind, at that time, exercised for the good of the people in 
the West Indies — His afterwards communicating to Friends his be- 
ing resigned to visit some of these Islands — The state of his mind, 
and the close considerations he was led into, while under this exer- 
cise — His preparations to embark, and his considerations on the trade 
to these Islands; and his being, when the vessel was ready to sail, 
released from the concern he had been under — His religious engage- 
ments after his return home — His sickness, in which he was brought 
to a very low state; and the prospects he then had. 

The 12th day of the 3rd month, 1770. Having for 
some years past dieted myself on account of a lump 
gathering on my nose, and under this diet grown weak 
in body, and not of ability to travel by land as here- 
tofore; — I was, at times, favoured to look with awful- 
ness toward the Lord, fyefore whom are all my ways, 
who alone hath the power of life and death; and to 
feel thankfulness raised in me, for this his fatherly 
chastisement; believing, if I was truly humbled under 
it, all would work for good. 

While I was under this bodily weakness, my mind 
being at times exercised for the good of my fellow- 
creatures in the West Indies, I grew jealous over my- 
self, lest the disagreeableness of the prospect should 
hinder me from obediently attending thereto. For 
though I knew not that the Lord required me to go 
there; yet I believed that resignation was now called 
for in that respect: and feeling a danger of not being 
wholly devoted to him, I was frequently engaged to 
watch unto prayer, that I might be preserved. And 
upwards of a year having passed, I walked one day in 
a solitary wood, my mind being covered with awful- 
ness, when cries were raised in me to my merciful 
Father, that he would graciously keep me in faithful- 
ness: and it then settled on my mind as a duty, to 
13* 



150 JOHN woolman's journal. 1770 

open my condition to Friends at our monthly meet- 
ing; which I did soon after, as follows: 

An exercise hath attended me for some time past, 
and of late been more weighty upon me; under which, 
I believe it is required of me to be resigned to go on 
a visit to some part of the West Indies. And in the 
Quarterly and general Spring meeting, I found no 
clearness to express any thing further, than that I be- 
lieved resignation herein was required of me; and hav- 
ing obtained certificates from all said meetings, I felt 
like a sojourner at my outward habitation, kept free 
from worldly encumbrances, and was often bowed in 
spirit before the Lord, with inward breathings to him 
that I might be rightly directed. 

And I may here note, that what I have before re- 
lated of my being, when young, joined as an executor 
with another Friend, in executing the will of the de- 
ceased, our having sold a negro lad till he might attain 
the age of thirty years, was now the occasion of great 
sorrow to me. And after having settled matters re- 
lating to this youth, I provided a sea store and bed, 
and things for the voyage; and hearing of a vessel 
likely to sail from Philadelphia for Barbadoes, I spake 
with one of the owners at Burlington, and soon after 
went to Philadelphia on purpose to speak with him 
again: at which time he told me there was a Friend 
in town who was part owner of the said vessel; but I 
felt no inclination at that time to speak with him, but 
returned home. And a while after, I took leave of 
my family; and went to Philadelphia, where I had 
some weighty conversation with the first-mentioned 
owner, and showed him a writing, as follows: 

25th of 11th month, 1769. As an exercise, with 
respect to a visit to Barbadoes, hath been weighty on 
my mind, I may express some of the trials which have 
attended me: under these trials I have, at times, re- 
joiced, in that I have my own self-will subjected. 

I once, some years ago, retailed rum, sugar, and 
molasses, the fruits of the labour of slaves; but then 
had not much concern about them, save only that the 



JOHN woolman's journal. 151 

rum might be used in moderation; nor was this con- 
cern so weightily attended to, as I now believe it 
ought to have been. But of late years, being further 
informed respecting the oppressions too generally ex- 
ercised in these islands, and thinking often on the de- 
grees that are in connexions of interest and fellowship 
with the works of darkness, Ephes. v. 11, and feeling 
an increasing concern to be wholly given up to the 
leadings of the Holy Spirit, — it hath appeared, that 
the small gain I got by this branch of trade, should 
be applied in promoting righteousness on the earth. — 
And near the first motion toward a visit to Barbadoes, 
I believed the outward substance I possess should be 
applied in paying my passage, if I go, and providing 
things in a lowly way for my subsistence. But when 
the time drew near, in which I believed it required 
of me to be in readiness, a difficulty arose, which hath 
been a continued trial for some months past; under 
which I have, with abasement of mind, from day to 
day, sought the Lord for instruction; and often had a 
feeling of the condition of one formerly, who bewail- 
ed himself, for that the Lord hid his face from him. 

During these exercises, my heart hath been often 
contrite; and I have had a tender feeling of the temp- 
tations of my fellow-creatures, labouring under those 
expensive customs distinguishable from the simplicity 
that there is in Christ, 2 Cor. ii. 3, and sometimes in 
the renewings of gospel love, have been helped to 
minister to others. 

That which hath so closely engaged my mind, in 
seeking to the Lord for instruction is, — whether, af- 
ter so full information of the oppression the slaves in 
the West Indies lie under, who raise the West India 
produce, (as I had in reading a caution and warning 
to Great Britain and her colonies, wrote by Anthony 
Benezet) it is right for me to take a passage in a ves- 
sel employed in the West India trade? 

To trade freely with oppressors, and, without la- 
bouring to dissuade from such unkind treatment, seek 
for gain by such traffic, — I believe tends to make them 



152 john woolman's journal. 1770 

more easy respecting their conduct, than they would 
be, if the cause of universal righteousness was humbly 
and firmly attended to by those in general with whom 
they have commerce; and that complaint of the Lord 
by his prophet, "They have strengthened the hands 
of the wicked," hath very often revived in my mind. 
And I may here add some circumstances preceding 
any prospect of a visit there. 

The case of David hath often been before me of late 
years. He longed for some water in a well beyond 
an army of Philistines who were at war with Israel; 
and some of his men, to please him, ventured their 
lives in passing through this army, and brought that 
water. It doth not appear that the Israelites were 
then scarce of water, but rather, that David gave way 
to delicacy of taste: but, having ihought on the dan- 
ger these men were exposed to, he considered this 
water as their blood, and his heart smote him that he 
could not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord. — 
And the oppression of the slaves, which I have seen 
in several journeys southward, on this continent, and 
the report of their treatment in the West Indies hath 
deeply affected me; and a care to live in the spirit of 
peace, and minister just cause of offence to none of my 
fellow-creatures, hath, from time to time, livingly re- 
vived on my mind: and under this exercise, I, for 
some years past, declined to gratify my palate with 
those sugars. 

I do not censure my brethren in these things; but 
believe the Father of mercies, to whom all mankind 
by creation are equally related, hath heard the groans 
of these oppressed people; and is preparing some to 
have a tender feeling of their condition. And the 
trading in, or frequent use of any produce known to 
be raised by the labours of those who are under such 
lamentable oppression, hath appeared to be a subject 
which may yet more require the serious consideration 
of the humble followers of Christ, the prince of peace. 

After long and mournful exercise, I am now free to 
mention how things have opened in my mind, with 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 153 

desires that if it may please the Lord to further open 
his will to any of his children in this matter, they 
may faithfully follow him in such further manifesta- 
tion. 

The number of those who decline the customary 
use of the West India produce, on account of the hard 
usage of the slaves who raise it, — appears small, even 
amongst people truly pious; and the labours in chris- 
tian love, on that subject, of those who do, not very 
extensive. 

Were the trade from this continent to the West In- 
dies to be quite stopped at once, I believe many there 
would suffer for want of bread. 

Did we on this continent, and the inhabitants of 
the West Indies generally dwell in pure righteousness, 
I believe a small trade between us might be right: 
that under these considerations, when the thoughts 
of wholly declining the use of trading vessels, and of 
trying to hire a vessel to go under ballast have arose 
in my mind, I have believed that the labours in gos- 
pel love, yet bestowed in the cause of universal right- 
eousness, are not arrived to that height. 

If the trade to the West Indies were no more than 
was consistent with pure wisdom, I believe the pas- 
sage money would, for good reasons, be higher than 
it is now. And here, under deep exercise of mind, I 
have believed that I should not take the advantage of 
this great trade and small passage money; but as a tes- 
timony in favour of less trading, should pay more than 
is common for others to pay, if I go at this time. 

The first-mentioned owner having read the paper, 
expressed a willingness to go with me to the other 
owner; and we going, the said other owner read over 
the paper, and we had some solid conversation; under 
which, I felt my soul bowed in reverence before the 
Most High. And, at length, one of them asked me 
if I would go and see the vessel? but I had not clear- 
ness in my mind to go; but went to my lodgings, and 
retired in private. 



154 john woolman's journal. 1770 

I was now under great exercise of mind; and my 
tears were poured out before the Lord, with inward 
cries, that he would graciously help me under these 
trials. 

In this case, I believe my mind was resigned, but 
did not feel clearness to proceed; and my own weak- 
ness, and the necessity of Divine instruction, was im- 
pressed upon me. 

I was, for a time, as one who knew not what to do, 
and was tossed as in a tempest: under which affliction, 
the doctrine of Christ, "Take no thought for the mor- 
row," arose livingly before me. I remembered it 
was some days before they expected the vessel to sail, 
and was favoured to get into a good degree of stillness. 
And, having been near two days in town, I believed 
my obedience to my heavenly Father consisted in re- 
turning homeward. I then went over amongst Friends 
on the Jersey shore, and tarried till the morning on 
which they had appointed to sail: and as I lay in bed 
the latter part of that night, my mind was comforted; 
and I felt what I esteemed a fresh confirmation, that 
it was the Lord's will that I should pass through some 
further exercises near home. 

So I went home, and still felt like a sojourner with 
my family: and in the fresh spring of pure love, had 
some labours in a private way amongst Friends, on a 
subject relating to Truth's testimony; under which 
I had frequently been exercised in heart for some 
years. I remember, as I walked on the road under 
this exercise, that passage in Ezekiel came fresh be- 
fore me; "whithersoever their faces were turned, thi- 
ther they went:" — and I was graciously helped to dis- 
charge my duty in the fear and dread of the Almighty. 

After a few weeks, it pleased the Lord to visit me 
with a pleurisy; and after I had lain a few days, and 
felt the disorder very grievous, I was thoughtful how 
it might end. 

I had of late, through various exercises, been much 
weaned from the pleasant things of this life; and I 
now thought, if it was the Lord's will to put an end 



JOHN woolman's journal. 155 

to my labours, and graciously receive me into the arms 
of his mercy, death would be acceptable to me: but if 
it was his will further to refine me under affliction, and 
make me in any degree useful in his church, I desired 
not to die. I may with thankfulness say, that in this 
case I felt resignedness wrought in me, and had no 
inclination to send for a doctor; believing, if it was 
the Lord's will, through outward means, to raise me 
up, some sympathizing friends would be sent to mi- 
nister to me; which were accordingly. But though 
I was carefully attended, yet the disorder was at times 
so heavy, that I had no thoughts of recovery. One 
night, in particular, my bodily distress was great; my 
feet grew cold, and cold increased up my legs toward 
my body; and at that time I had no inclination to ask 
my nurse to apply any thing warm to my feet, expect- 
ing my end was near. And after I had lain near ten 
hours in this condition, I closed my eyes, thinking 
whether I might now be delivered out of the body: 
but in these awful moments, my mind was livingly 
opened to behold the church; and strong engagements 
were begotten in me for the everlasting well-being 
of my fellow-creatures; and I felt, in the spring of 
pure love, that I might remain some time longer in 
the body, in filling up, according to my measure, that 
which remains of the afflictions of Christ, and in la- 
bouring for the good of the church: after which, I re- 
quested my nurse to apply warmth to my feet; and I 
revived. And the next night, feeling a weighty ex- 
ercise of spirit, and having a solid Friend sitting up 
with me, I requested him to write what I said; which 
he did, as follows: 

"4th day of the 1st month, 1770, about five in the 
morning.— I have seen in the light of the Lord, that 
the day is approaching, when the man that is the most 
wise in human policy, shall be the greatest fool; and 
the arm that is mighty to support injustice, shall be 
broken to pieces. The enemies of righteousness shall 
make a terrible rattle, and shall mightily torment one 
another; for He that is omnipotent is rising up to 



156 john woolman's journal. 1770 

judgment, and will plead the cause of the oppressed; 
and he commanded me to open the vision." 

Near a week after this, feeling my mind livingly 
opened, I sent for a neighbour, who at my request 
wrote as follows: 

"The place of prayer is a precious habitation; for 
I now saw that the prayers of the saints was precious 
incense: and a trumpet was given me, that I might 
sound forth this language; that the children might 
hear it, and be invited to gather to this precious habi- 
tation, where the prayers of the saints, as precious 
incense, ariseth up before the throne of God and the 
Lamb — I saw this habitation to be safe; to be inward- 
ly quiet, when there were great stirrings and com- 
motions in the world. 

"Prayer, at this day, in pure resignation, is a pre- 
cious place. The trumpet is sounded, the call goes 
forth to the church, that she gather to the place of 
pure inward prayer; and her habitation is safe." 



157 



CHAPTER XL 

His preparing to visit Friends in England — His embarking at Chester, 
in company with Samuel Emlen, in a ship bound to London — His 
deep exercise, on observing the difficulties and hardships the common 
sailors are exposed to — Considerations on the dangers to which youth 
are exposed, in being trained to a sea-faring life; and its inconsistency 
with a pious education — His thoughts in a storm at sea: with many 
instructive contemplations on the voyage — And his arrival at London. 

Having been some time under a religious concern 
to prepare for crossing the seas, in order to visit 
Friends in the northern parts of England, and more 
particularly in Yorkshire: after weighty consideration, 
I thought it expedient to inform Friends thereof, at 
our monthly meeting at Burlington, who, having uni- 
ty with me therein, gave me a certificate; and I after- 
wards communicated the same at our Quarterly meet- 
ing,and they likewise certified their concurrence there- 
with. Some time after which, at the general Spring 
meeting of ministers and elders, I thought it my duty 
to acquaint them of the religious exercise which at- 
tended my mind; with which they likewise signified 
their unity by a certificate, dated the 24th day of the 
3d month, 1772, directed to Friends in Great Britain. 

In the 4th month following, I thought the time was 
come for me to make some inquiry for a suitable con- 
veyance; being apprehensive, that as my concern was 
principally toward the northern parts of England, it 
would be most proper to go in a vessel bound to Li- 
verpool or Whitehaven. And w 7 hile I was at Phila- 
delphia, deliberating on this occasion, I was inform- 
ed that my beloved friend Samuel Emlen jun. intend- 
ing to go to London, had taken a passage for himself 
in the cabin of the ship called Mary and Elizabeth, 
of which James Sparks was master, and Jofn Head 
of the city of Philadelphia, one of the owners; and I 
feeling a draft in my mind toward the steerage of the 
14 



158 john woolman's journal. 1772 

same ship, went first and opened to Samuel the feeling 
I had concerning it. 

My beloved friend wept when I spake to him, and 
appeared glad that I had thoughts of going in the ves- 
sel with him, though my prospect was toward the 
steerage. And he offering to go with me, we went 
on board; first, into the cabin, a commodious room, 
and then into the steerage; where we sat down on a 
chest, the sailors being busy about us: then the owner 
of the ship came and sat down with us. 

Here my mind was turned toward Christ, the hea- 
venly counsellor; and feeling at this time my own will 
subjected, my heart was contrite before God. 

A motion was made by the owner to go and sit in 
the cabin, as a place more retired; but I felt easy to 
leave the ship, and made no agreement as to a passage 
in her; but told the owner, if I took a passage in the 
ship, I believed it would be in the steerage; but did 
not say much as to my exercise in that case. 

After I went to my lodgings, and the case was a 
little known in town, a friend laid before me the great 
inconveniences attending a passage in the steerage; 
which, for a time, appeared very discouraging to me. 

I soon after went to bed, and my mind was under 
a deep exercise before the Lord, whose helping hand 
was manifested to me as I slept* that night, and his 
love strengthened my heart. And in the morning, I 
went with two friends on board the vessel again; and 
after a short time spent therein, I went with Samuel 
Emlen to the house of the owner; to whom, in the 
hearing of Samuel only, I opened my exercise, in sub- 
stance as follows, in relation to a scruple I felt with 
regard to a passage in the cabin: 

I told the owner that on the outside of that part of 
the ship where the cabin was, I observed sundry sorts 
of carved work and imagery; and that in the cabin I 
observed some superfluity of workmanship of several 
sorts; aUd that according to the ways of men's reckon- 
ing, the sum of money to be paid for a passage in that 
apartment, hath some relation to the expense in fur- 



JOHN woolman's journal. 159 

nishing it to please the minds of such who give way 
to a conformity to this world; and that in this case, as 
in other cases, the monies received from the passen- 
gers are calculated to answer every expense relating 
to their passage, and amongst the rest, of these super- 
fluities! — and that in this case, I felt a scruple with 
regard to paj 7 ing my money to defray such expenses. 

As my mind was now opened, I told the owner 
that I had at several times in my travels, seen great 
oppressions on this continent; at which my heart had 
been much affected, and brought into a feeling of the 
state of the sufferers. And having many times been 
engaged, in the fear and love of God, to labour with 
those under whom the oppressed have been borne 
down and afflicted, I have often perceived that it was 
with a view to get riches, and provide estates for chil- 
dren to live conformable to customs, which stand in 
that spirit wherein men have regard to the honours of 
this world; — That in the pursuit of these things, I had 
seen many entangled in the spirit of oppression; and 
the exercise of my soul had been such, that I could 
not find peace in joining with any thing which I saw 
was against that wisdom which is pure. 

After this, I agreed for a passage in the steerage. 
And hearing in town that Joseph White had a desire 
to see me, I felt the reviving of a desire to see him, 
and went then to his house, and next day home; where 
I tarried two nights. Then early in the morning, I 
parted with my family under a sense of the humbling 
hand of God upon me; and, going to Philadelphia, had 
opportunity with several of my beloved friends, who 
appeared to be concerned for me, on account of the 
unpleasant situation of that part of the vessel where I 
was likely to lodge. 

In these opportunities, my mind, through the mer- 
cies of God, was kept low, in an inward waiting for 
his help: and Friends having expressed their desire 
that I might have a place more convenient than the 
steerage, did not urge, but appeared disposed to leave 
me to the Lord. 



160 john woolman's journal. 1772 

Having stayed two nights in Philadelphia, I went 
the next day to Darby monthly meeting; where, thro' 
the strength of Divine love, my heart was enlarged 
toward the youth then present; under which I was 
helped to labour in some tenderness of spirit. Then 
lodging at William Home's, I with one friend went 
to Chester; where meeting with Samuel Emlen, we 
went on board the 1st day of the 5th month, 1772: 
and as I sat down alone on a seat oh the deck, I felt 
a satisfactory evidence that my proceedings were not 
in my own will, but under the power of the cross of 
Christ. 

7th day of the 5th month. Have had rough weather 
mostly since I came on board; and the passengers, 
James Reynolds, John Till-Adams, Sarah Logan and 
her hired maid, and John Bispham, all sea-sick, more 
or less, at times; from which sickness, through the 
tender mercies of my heavenly Father, I have been 
preserved: my afflictions now being of another kind. 

There appeared an openness in the minds of the 
master of the ship, and in the cabin passengers toward 
me: we were often together on the deck, and some- 
times in the cabin. 

My mind, through the merciful help of the Lord, 
hath been preserved in a good degree watchful and 
inward; and I have, this day, great cause to be thank- 
ful, in that I remain to feel quietness of mind. 

As my lodging in the steerage, now near a week, 
hath afforded me sundry opportunities of seeing, hear- 
ing, and feeling, with respect to the life and spirit of 
many poor sailors; an inward exercise of soul hath at- 
tended me, in regard to placing out children and youth 
where they may be likely to be exampled and instruct- 
ed in the pure fear of the Lord. And I, being much 
amongst the seamen, have from a motion of love, sun- 
dry times taken opportunities with one of them at a 
time alone; and in a free conversation, laboured to 
turn their minds toward the fear of the Lord. And 
this day we had a meeting in the cabin, where my 
heart was contrite under a feeling of Divine love. 



VOYAGE TO ENGLAND. 161 

Now concerning lads being trained up as seamen: 
I believe a communication from one part of the world 
to some other parts of it, by sea, is at times consistent 
with the will of our heavenly Father; and to educate 
some youth in the practice of sailing, I believe may 
be right: but how lamentable is the present corruption 
of the world! How impure are the channels through 
which trade hath a conveyance! How great is that 
danger, to which poor lads are now exposed, when 
placed on shipboard to learn the art of sailing! 

Five lads, training up for the seas, were now on 
board this ship; two of them brought up amongst our 
society; one of which hath a right amongst Friends, 
by name James Nayler, to who^s father, James Nayler 
mentioned in SewePs History, appears to have been 
uncle. I often feel a tenderness of heart toward these 
poor lads; and at times, look at them as though they 
were my children according to the flesh. 

Oh! that all may take heed and beware of covetous- 
ness! Oh! that all may learn of Christ, who is meek 
and low of heart! Then, in faithfully following him, 
he will teach us to be content with food and raiment, 
without respect to the customs or honours of this 
world. Men thus redeemed, will feel a tender con- 
cern for their fellow-creatures, and a desire that those 
in the lowest stations may be assisted and encouraged. 
And where owners of ships attain to the perfect law 
of liberty, and are doers of the word, these will be 
blessed in their deeds. 

A ship at sea commonly sails all night, and the sea- 
men take their watches, four hours at a time. Ris- 
ing to work in the night, is not commonly pleasant 
in any case: but in dark rainy nights it is very dis- 
agreeable, even though each man were furnished with 
all conveniences. But if men must go out at midnight 
to help manage the ship in the rain, and having small 
room to sleep and lay their garments in, are often be- 
set to furnish themselves for the watch; their garments 
or something relating to their business being wanting, 
and not easily found; when, from the urgency occa- 
14* 



162 john woolman's journal. 1772 

sioned by high winds, they are hastened and called 
up suddenly: here is a trial of patience on the poor 
sailors, and the poor lads their companions. 

If after they have been on deck several hours in the 
night, and come down into the steerage soaking wet, 
and are so close stowed that proper convenience for 
change of garments is not easily come at, but for want 
of proper room their wet garments are thrown in 
heaps, and sometimes through much crowding, are 
trodden under foot in going to their lodgings and 
getting out of them, and great difficulties, at times, 
each one to find his own: here are trials on the poor 
sailors! 

Now as I have been with them in my lodge, my 
heart hath often yearned for them; and tender desires 
have been raised in me, that all owners and masters 
of vessels may dwell in the love of God, and therein 
act uprightly; and by seeking less for gain, and look- 
ing carefully to their ways, may earnestly labour to 
remove all cause of provocation from the poor sea- 
men, either to fret or use excess of strong drink: for 
indeed the poor creatures, at times, in the wet and 
cold, seem to apply to strong drink to supply the 
want of other conveniences. 

Great reformation in the world is wanting; and the 
necessity of it, amongst those who do business on great 
waters, hath at this time been abundantly opened be- 
fore me. 

8th of 5th month. — This morning the clouds ga- 
thered, the wind blew strong from south-eastward, 
and before noon increased to that degree that sailing 
appeared dangerous. The seamen then bound up 
some of their sails, and took down some; and the 
storm increasing, they put the dead lights, so called, 
into the cabin windows, and lighted a lamp as at night. 

The wind now blew vehemently, and the sea 
wrought to that degree, that an awful seriousness 
prevailed in the cabin, in which I spent, I believe, 
about seventeen hours; for I believed the poor wet 
toiling seamen had need of all the room in the crowd- 



VOYAGE TO ENGLAND. 163 

ed steerage, and the cabin passengers had given me 
frequent invitations. 

They ceased now from sailing; and put the vessel 
in the posture called lying-to. 

My mind, in this tempest, through the gracious 
assistance of the Lord, was preserved in a good de- 
gree of resignation; and I felt at times a few words 
in his love to my ship-mates, in regard to the all-suf- 
ficiency of Him who formed the great deep, and 
whose care is so extensive, that a sparrow falls not 
without his notice. And thus in a tender frame of 
mind, I spake to them of the necessity of our yield- 
ing, in true obedience, to the instructions of our hea- 
venly Father, who sometimes through adversities 
intendeth our refinement. 

About eleven at night, I went out on the deck, 
when the sea wrought exceedingly, and the high 
foaming waves all round about, had in some sort the 
appearance of fire; but did not give much if any light. 
The sailor then at the helm said he lately saw a cor- 
posant at the head of the mast. 

About this time I observed the master of the ship 
ordered the carpenter to keep on the deck; and though 
he said little, I apprehended his care was, that the 
carpenter with his axe might be in readiness in case 
of any extremity. 

Soon after this, the vehemency of the wind abated; 
and before morning, they again put the ship under sail. 

The 10th day of the month, and first of the week, 
it being fine weather, we had a meeting in the cabin, 
at which most of the seamen were present. This 
meeting to me was a strengthening time. 

13th. As I continue to lodge in the steerage, I feel 
an openness this morning to express something fur- 
ther of the state of my mind, in respect to poor lads 
being bound apprentice to learn the art of sailing. — 
As I believe sailing is of some use in the world, a 
labour of soul attends me, that the pure counsel of 
Truth may be humbly waited for in this case, by all 
concerned in the business of the seas. 



164 john woolman's journal. 1772 

A pious father whose mind is exercised for the 
everlasting welfare of his child, may not, with a 
peaceful mind, place him out to an employment 
amongst a people, whose common course of life is 
manifestly corrupt and profane. So great is the pre- 
sent defect amongst sea-faring men, in regard to piety 
and virtue; — and through an abundant traffic, and ma- 
ny ships of war, so many people are employed on the 
sea that this subject of placing lads to the employment, 
appears very weighty. 

Profane examples are very corrupting, and very 
forcible. And as my mind, day after day, and night 
after night, hath been affected with a sympathizing 
tenderness toward poor children, put to the employ- 
ment of sailors, I have sometimes had weighty con- 
versation with the sailors in the steerage, who were 
mostly respectful to me, and more and more so, the 
longer I was with them. They mostly appeared to 
take kindly what I said to them; but their minds have 
appeared to be so deeply impressed with that almost 
universal depravity amongst sailors, that the poor 
creatures, in their answers to me on this subject, have 
revived in my remembrance that of the degenerate 
Jews, a little before the captivity, as repeated by 
Jeremiah the prophet, "There is no hope." 

Now under this exercise, a sense of the desire of 
outward gain prevailing amongst us, hath felt griev- 
ous: and a strong call to the professed followers of 
Christ, hath been raised in me; — that all may take 
heed, lest, through loving this present world, they 
be found in a continued neglect of duty, with respect 
to a faithful labour for a reformation. 

Silence, as to every motion proceeding from the 
love of money, and an humble waiting upon God to 
know his will concerning us, hath now appeared ne- 
cessary. He alone is able to strengthen us to dig 
deep, to remove all which lies between us and the 
safe foundation, and so direct us in our outward em- 
ployments, that pure universal love may shine forth 
in our proceedings. 



VOYAGE TO ENGLAND. 165 

Desires arising from the spirit of Truth, are pure 
desires; and when a mind Divinely opened toward a 
young generation, is made sensible of corrupting ex- 
amples powerfully working and extensively spread- 
ing amongst them, how moving is the prospect! 

A great trade to the coast of Africa for slaves; of 
which I now heard frequent conversation amongst 
the sailors! 

A great trade in that which is raised and prepared 
through grievous oppression! 

A great trade in superfluity of workmanship, form- 
ed to please the pride and vanity of people's minds! 

Great and extensive is that depravity, which pre- 
vails amongst the poor sailors! When I remember 
that saying of the Most High through his prophet, 
"This people have I formed for myself; they shall 
show forth my praise;" and think of placing children 
amongst them, to learn the practice of sailing, the 
consistency of it with a pious education, seems to me 
like that mentioned by the prophet, " There is no 
answer from God." 

In a world of dangers and difficulties, like a deso- 
late thorny wilderness, how precious! how comforta- 
ble! how safe! are the leadings of Christ, the good 
shepherd; who said, "I know my sheep; and am 
known of mine." 

16th. Wind for several days past often high — what 
the sailors call squally; rough sea and frequent rains. 
This last night a very trying night to the poor sea- 
men; the water chief part of the night running over 
the main deck, and sometimes breaking waves came 
on the quarter deck. The latter part of the night, as 
I lay in bed, my mind was humbled under the power 
of Divine love; and resignedness to the great Creator 
of the earth and the seas, renewedly wrought in me, 
whose fatherly care over his children felt precious to 
my soul: and desires were now renewed in me, to 
embrace every opportunity of being inwardly ac- 
quainted with the hardships and difficulties of my 
fellow-creatures, and to labour in his love for the 



166 john woolman's journal. 1772 

spreading of pure universal righteousness in the 
earth. The opportunities being frequent of hearing 
conversation amongst the sailors, in respect to the 
voyages to Africa, and the manner of bringing the 
deeply oppressed slaves into our islands; — the thoughts 
of their condition, frequently in chains and fetters on 
board the vessels, with hearts loaded with grief, under 
the apprehensions of miserable slavery; my mind was 
frequently opened to meditate on these things. 

The 17th of the month, and first of the week, we 
had a meeting in the cabin; to which the seamen gene- 
rally came. My spirit was contrite before the Lord; 
whose love at this time affected my heart. 

This afternoon I felt a tender sympathy of soul with 
my poor wife and family left behind; in which state, 
my heart was enlarged in desires that they may walk 
in that humble obedience, wherein the everlasting Fa- 
ther may be their guide and support, through all the 
difficulties in this world: and a sense of that gracious 
assistance, through which my mind hath been strength- 
ened to take up the cross and leave them to travel in 
the love of Truth, hath begotten thankfulness in my 
heart to our Almighty Helper. 

24th of 5th month, and first of the week, a clear 
pleasant morning. And as I sat on deck, I felt a 
reviving in my nature; which, through much rainy 
weather and high winds, being shut up in a close un- 
healthy air, was weakened. 

Several nights of late I felt breathing difficult; so 
that a little after the rising of the second watch (which 
is about midnight) I got up and stood, I believe, near 
an hour with my face near the hatchway, to get the 
fresh air at a small vacancy under the hatch door; 
which is commonly shut down, partly to keep out 
rain, and sometimes to keep the breaking waves from 
dashing into the steerage. 

I may, with thankfulness to the Father of mercies, 
acknowledge, that in my present weak state, my mind 
hath been supported to bear the affliction with pa- 
tience; and I have looked at the present dispensation 



VOYAGE TO ENGLAND. 167 

as a kindness from the great Father of mankind, who, 
in this my floating pilgrimage, is in some degnee 
bringing me to feel that which many thousands of 
my fellow-creatures often suffer in a greater degree. 

My appetite failing, the trial hath been the heavier; 
and I have felt tender breathings in my soul after God, 
the fountain of comfort, whose inward help hath sup- 
plied, at times, the want of outward convenience. — 
And strong desires have attended me, that his family 
who are acquainted with the movings of his Holy 
Spirit, may be so redeemed from the love of money, 
and from that spirit in which men seek honour one 
of another,— that in all business, by sea or land, we 
may constantly keep in view the coming of his king- 
dom on earth, as it is in heaven: and by faithfully fol- 
lowing this safe guide, show forth examples, tending 
to lead out of that under which the creation groans! 

This day we had a meeting in the cabin; in which 
I was favoured in some degree to experience the ful- 
filling of that saying of the prophet, "The Lord hath 
been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy 
in their distress;" for which my heart is bowed in 
thankfulness before him. 

28th. Wet weather of late, with small winds in- 
clining to calms. Our seamen having cast a lead, I 
suppose about one hundred fathom, but find no bottom. 
Foggy weather this morning. 

Through the kindness of the great Preserver of men, 
my mind remains quiet; and a degree of exercise, from 
day to day, attends me, that the pure peaceable gov- 
ernment of Christ may spread and prevail amongst 
mankind. 

The leading on of a young generation in that pure 
way, in which the wisdom of this world hath no place; 
where parents and tutors, humbly waiting for the hea- 
venly Counsellor, may example them in the Truth, as 
it is in Jesus: — This, for several days, hath been the 
exercise of my mind. Oh! how safe, how quiet is 
that state, where the soul stands in pure obedience to 
the voice of Christ, and a watchful care is maintained 



168 john woolman's journal. ' 1772 

not to follow the voice of the stranger! Here Christ 
is, felt to be our shepherd; and under his leading, peo- 
ple are brought to a stability. And where he doth 
not lead forward, we are bound in the bonds of pure 
love to stand still and wait upon God. 

In the love of money, and in the wisdom of this 
world, business is proposed; then the urgency of affairs 
push forward; nor can the mind, in this state, discern 
the good and perfect will of God concerning us. 

The love of God is manifested in graciously call- 
ing us to come out of that which stands in confusion: 
but if we obey not the call; — if we give not up those 
prospects of gain which, in the wisdom of this world, 
are open before us; but say in our hearts, I must needs 
go on; and in going on, I hope to keep as near to the 
purity of Truth, as the business before me will admit 
of: here the mind remains entangled, and the shining 
of the light of life into the soul is obstructed. 

This query opens in my mind in the love of God: — 
Where shall a pious father place his son apprentice to 
be instructed in the practice of crossing the seas, and 
have faith to believe that Christ, our holy Shepherd, 
leads him to place his son there? 

Surely the Lord calls to mourning and deep humi- 
liation, that in his fear we may be instructed, and led 
safely on through the great difficulties and perplexities 
in this present age. 

In an entire subjection of our wills, the Lord gra- 
ciously opens a way for his people, where all their 
wants are bounded by his wisdom: and here we ex- 
perience the substance of what Moses the prophet 
figured out in the water of separation, as a purification 
from sin. 

Esau is mentioned as a child red all over, like a 
hairy garment. In Esau is represented the natural will 
of man. In preparing the water of separation, a red 
heifer without blemish, on which there had been no 
yoke, was to be slain, and her blood sprinkled by the 
priest seven times toward the tabernacle of the con- 
gregation: then her skin, her flesh, and all pertaining 



JOHN WOOLMAN S JOURNAL. 169 

to her, was to be burnt without the camp; and of her 
ashes the water was prepared. Thus, the crucifying 
the old man, or natural will, is represented; and hence 
comes a separation from that carnal mind which is 
death. 

"He who toucheth the dead body of a man, and 
purifieth not himself with the water of separation, he 
defileth the tabernacle of the Lord; he is unclean." 
Numb. xix. 13. 

If any, through the love of gain, go forth into busi- 
ness, wherein they dwell as amongst the tombs, and 
touch the bodies of those who are dead: — if these, 
through the infinite love of God, feel the power of the 
cross of Christ to crucify them to the world, and there- 
in learn humbly to follow the Divine leader; — here 
is the judgment of this world, — here the prince of 
this world is cast out; and the water of separation is 
felt. And though we have been amongst the slain, 
and through the desire of gain have touched the dead 
body of a man; yet, in the purifying love of God, we 
are washed in the water of separation, — are brought 
off from that business, from that gain, and from that 
fellowship, which was not agreeable to his holy will. 
And I have felt a renewed confirmation in the time 
of this voyage, that the Lord, in his infinite love, is 
calling to his visited children so to give up all out- 
ward possessions and means of getting treasures, that 
his holy Spirit may have free course in their hearts, 
and direct them in all their proceedings. 

To feel the substance pointed at in this figure, man 
must know death, as to his own will. 

"No man can see God, and live:" This was spo- 
ken by the Almighty to Moses the prophet, and is 
opened by our blessed Redeemer. 

As death comes on our own wills and a new life is 
formed in us, the heart is purified, and prepared to 
understand clearly, "Blessed are the pure in heart, 
for they shall see God." In purity of heart, the mind 
is divinely opened to behold the nature of universal 
righteousness, or the righteousness of the kingdom of 
15 



170 john woolman's journal. 1772 

God. "No man hath seen the Father, save he that 
is of God; he hath seen the Father." 

The natural mind is active about the things of this 
life; and in this natural activity, business is proposed, 
and therein a will in us to go forward with it. And 
as long as this natural will remains unsubjected, so 
long there remains an obstruction against the clearness 
of Divine light operating in us. But when we love 
God with all our heart, and with all our strength, then, 
in this love, we love our neighbours as ourselves; and 
a tenderness of heart is felt toward all people, even 
such who as to outward circumstances may be to us 
as the Jews were to the Samaritans. Who is my 
neighbour? See this question answered, Luke x. 37. 

In this love we can say that Jesus is the Lord; 
and the reformation in our souls is manifested in a 
full reformation of our lives, wherein "all things are 
new, and all things are of God." 2 Cor. v. 18. In 
this the desire of gain is subjected; — employment is 
honestly followed in the light of Truth; — and people 
become diligent in business, "fervent in spirit; serv- 
ing the Lord:" Rom. xii.ll. Here the name is open- 
ed: "This is the name by which he shall be called, 

THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS." Jer. Xxiii. 6. 

Oh! how precious is this name! It is like ointment 
poured out. The chaste virgins are in love with the 
Redeemer: and for the promoting of his peaceable 
kingdom in the world, are content to endure hardness 
like good soldiers; and are so separated in spirit from 
the desire of riches, that in their employments, they 
become extensively careful to give none offence, nei- 
ther to Jews nor heathen, nor the church of Christ. 

31st of the month, and first of the week, we had a 
meeting in the cabin, with nearly all the ship's com- 
pany; the whole being near thirty. In this meeting, 
the Lord in mercy favoured us with the extendings 
of his love. 

The 2d of the 6th month. Last evening the seamen 
found bottom at about seventy fathoms. 



VOYAGE TO ENGLAND. 171 

This morning, fair wind and pleasant: and as I sat 
on deck, my heart was overcome with the love of 
God, and melted into contrition before him. And in 
this state, the prospect of that work to which I felt 
my mind drawn when in my native land, being in 
some degree opened before me, I felt like a little child; 
and my cries were put up to my heavenly Father for 
preservation, that in a humble dependance on him, my 
soul may be strengthened in his love, and kept in- 
wardly waiting for his counsel. 

This afternoon we saw that part of England, called 
the Lizard. 

Some dunghill fowls yet remained of those the pas- 
sengers took for their sea stores. I believe about four- 
teen perished in the storms at sea, by the waves break- 
ing over the quarter-deck; and a considerable number 
with sickness, at different times. — I observed the 
cocks crew coming down the Delaware, and while 
we were near the land; but afterward, I think I did 
not hear one of them crow till we came near the land 
in England; when they again crowed a few times. 

In observing their dull appearance at sea, and the 
pining sickness of some of them, I often remembered 
the Fountain of goodness, who gave being to all crea- 
tures, and whose love extends to that of caring for the 
sparrows; and believe, where the love of God is verily 
perfected, and the true spirit of government watchful- 
ly attended to, a tenderness toward all creatures made 
subject to us will be experienced; and a care felt in us 
that we do not lessen that sweetness of life in the ani- 
mal creation, which the great Creator intends for them 
under our government. 

4th. Wet weather, high winds, and so dark that 
we could see but a little way. I perceived our sea- 
men were apprehensive of danger of missing the chan- 
nel; which I understood was narrow. In a while, it 
grew lighter; and they saw the land, and knew where 
we were. Thus the Father of mercies was pleased to 
try us with the sight of dangers, and then graciously, 
from time to time, deliver from them: thus sparing 



172 john woolman's journal. 1772 

our lives, that in humility and reverence we may 
walk before him, and put our trust in him. 

About noon, a pilot came off from Dover; where 
my beloved friend Samuel Emlen went on shore, and 
thence to London, about seventy-two miles by land; 
but I felt easy in staying in the ship. 

7th of 6th month, and first of the week. Clear 
morning. Lay at anchor for the tide, and had a part- 
ing meeting with the ship's company; in which, my 
heart was enlarged in a fervent concern for them, that 
they may come to experience salvation through Christ. 
Had a head wind up the Thames; — lay sometimes at 
anchor; — saw many ships passing, and some at an- 
chor near; — and had large opportunity of feeling the 
spirit in which the poor bewildered sailors too gene- 
rally live. That lamentable degeneracy, which so 
much prevails among the people employed on the 
seas, so affected my heart, that I may not easily con- 
vey the feeling I have had to another. 

The present state of the sea-faring life in general, 
appears so opposite to that of a pious education; — so 
full of corruption, and extreme alienation from God; — 
so full of examples, the most dangerous to young peo- 
ple, — that in looking toward a young generation, I 
feel a care for them, that they may have an education 
different from the present education of lads at sea: — 
and that all of us who are acquainted with the pure m 
gospel spirit, may lay this case to heart, may remem- 
ber the lamentable corruptions which attend the con- 
veyance of merchandize across the seas, and so abide 
in the love of God, that, being delivered from the love 
of money, from the entangling expenses of a curious, 
delicate, luxurious life, we may learn contentment 
with a little; and promote the sea-faring life no fur- 
ther, than that spirit which leads into all truth, at- 
tends us in our proceedings. 



173 



CHAPTER XII. 

His attending the Yearly Meeting in London; and after it, proceeding 
toward Yorkshire, visiting several Quarterly and other meetings in 
the counties of Hertford, Warwick, Oxford, Nottingham, York and 
Westmoreland ; and thence again into Yorkshire, and to the city of 
York; with some instructive thoughts and observations, and letters 
on divers subjects — His hearing of the decease of William Hunt; and 
some account of him — His sickness at York; and end of his pilgrim- 
age there. 

On the Sth day of the 6th month, 1772, I landed 
at London; and went straightway to the Yearly Meet- 
ing of ministers and elders, which had been gathered 
(I suppose) about half an hour. 

Inthis meeting, my mind was humbly contrite. In 
the afternoon, the meeting of business opened; which, 
by adjournments, held near a week. In these meet- 
ings, I often felt a living concern for the establishment 
of Friends in the pure life of Truth : and my heart was 
enlarged in the meeting of ministers, meeting of busi- 
ness, and in several meetings for public worship; and 
I felt my mind united in true love to the faithful la- 
bourers now gathered at this Yearly Meeting. 
| 15th of 6th month, I left London, and went to a 
'Quarterly meeting at Hertford. 

The 1st of 7th month, 1772. I have been at Quar- 
terly meetings at Sherrington, Northampton, Banbury 
and Shipton; and had sundry meetings between. My 
mind hath been bowed under a sense of Divine good- 
ness manifested amongst us; and my heart hath often 
been enlarged in true love, both amongst ministers 
and elders, and in public meetings; so that through 
the Lord's goodness, I believe it hath been a fresh 
visitation to many, in particular to the youth. 

17th. Was this day at Birmingham; have been at 
meetings at Coventry, Warwick, in Oxfordshire, and 
sundry other places; have felt the humbling hand of 
15* 



174 john woolman's journal. 1772 

the Lord upon me; and through his tender mercies 
find peace in the labours I have gone through. 

26th. I have continued travelling northward, visit- 
ing meetings; — was this day at Nottingham; which, 
in the forenoon especially, was, through Divine love, 
a heart-tendering season. Next day had a meeting 
in a Friend's house with Friends' children and some 
Friends. This, through the strengthening arm of the 
Lord, was a time to be thankfully remembered. 

The 2d day of the 8th month, and first of the week: 
was this day at Sheffield, a large inland town: — have 
been at sundry meetings last week, and feel inward 
thankfulness for that Divine support which hath been 
graciously extended to me. 

9th of the month, and first of the week, was at 
Rushworth. Have lately passed through some pain- 
ful labour; but have been comforted, under a sense of 
that Divine visitation which I feel extended toward 
many young people. 

16th, and first of the week, was at Settle. It hath 
of late been a time of inward poverty; under which 
my mind hath been preserved in a watchful tender 
state, feeling for the mind of the holy Leader; and 
find peace in the labours I have passed through. 

On inquiry, in many places, I find the price of rye 
about five shillings, wheat about eight shillings, per 
bushel; oatmeal, twelve shillings for a hundred and A 
twenty pounds; mutton, from three pence to five" 
pence per pound; bacon, from seven pence to nine 
pence; cheese, from four pence to six pence; butter, 
from eight pence to ten pence; house rent for a poor 
man, from twenty-five shillings to forty shillings per 
year, to be paid weekly; wood, for fire, very scarce 
and dear; coal, in some places, two shillings and six 
pence per hundred weight; but near the pits, not a 
quarter so much. Oh! may the wealthy consider the 
poor! 

The wages of labouring men in several counties 
toward London, is ten pence per day in common 
business; the employer finds small beer, and the la- 



* 



TRAVELS IN ENGLAND. 175 

bourer finds his own food; — but in harvest and hay- 
time, wages is about pne shilling per day, and the la- 
bourer hath all his. diet. In some parts of the north 
of England, poor labouring men have their food where 
they work; and appear, in common, to do rather bet- 
ter than nearer London. Industrious women who 
spin in the factories, get, some four pence, some five 
pence, and so on to six, seven, eight, nine or ten pence 
a day, and find their own house room and diet. Great 
numbers of poor people live chiefly on bread and wa- 
ter in the southern parts of England, and some in the 
northern parts; and there are many poor children not 
taught even to read. May those who have plenty, 
lay these things to heart! 

Stage coaches frequently go upwards of a hundred 
miles in twenty-four hours. And I have heard 
Friends say, in several places, that it is common for 
horses to be killed with hard driving, and many others 
are driven till they grow blind. 

Post boys pursue their business, each one to his 
stage, all night through the winter. Some boys who 
ride long stages, suffer greatly in winter nights; and 
at several places I have heard of their being froze to 
death. So great is the hurry in the spirit of this . t 
world, that in aiming to do business quick, and to 
gain wealth, the creation at this day doth loudly 
groan! 

As my journey hath been without a horse, I have 
had several offers of being assisted on my way in 
these stage coaches; but have not been in them. Nor 
have I had freedom to send letters by these posts, in 
the present way of their riding; the stages being so 
fixed, and one boy dependant on another as to time, 
that they commonly go upward of one hundred miles 
in twenty-four hours; and in the cold long winter 
nights, the poor boys suffer much. 

I heard in America of the way of these posts; and 
cautioned Friends in the general meeting of ministers 
and elders at Philadelphia, and in the Yearly Meeting 
of ministers and elders at London, not to send letters 



176 john woolman's journal. 1772 

to me on any common occasion by post. And though, 
on this account, I may be likely to hear seldomer from 
my family left behind; yet, for righteousness' sake, I 
am, through Divine favour, made content. 

I have felt great distress of mind since I came on 
this Island, on account of the members of our society 
being mixed with the world in various sorts of busi- 
ness and traffic, carried on in impure channels. Great 
is the trade to Africa for slaves! and in loading these 
ships, abundance of people are employed in the manu- 
factories; amongst whom are many of our society! 
Friends, in early times, refused, on a religious prin- 
ciple, to make or trade in superfluities; of which, we 
have many large testimonies on record. But for want 
of faithfulness, some gave way; even some, whose ex- 
amples were of note in society; and from thence others 
took more liberty :— members of our society worked 
in superfluities, and bought and sold them; and thus 
dimness of sight came over many. At length, Friends 
got into the use of some superfluities in dress, and in 
the furniture of their houses; and this hath spread from 
less to more, till superfluity of some kinds is common 
amongst us. 

In this declining state, many look at the examples 
one of another, and too much neglect the pure feeling 
of Truth. Of late years, a deep exercise hath attend- 
ed my mind, that Friends may dig deep, may careful- 
ly cast forth the loose matter, and get down to the 
Rock, the sure foundation, and there hearken to that 
Divine voice which gives a clear and certain sound. 
And I have felt in that which doth not deceive, that 
if Friends who have known the Truth, keep in that 
tenderness of heart, where all views of outward gam 
are given up, and their trust is only in the Lord, he 
will graciously lead some to be patterns of deep self- 
denial in things relating to trade and handicraft la- 
bour; — and that some who have plenty of the treasures 
of this world, will example in a plain, frugal life; and 
pay wages to such whom they may hire, more libe- 
rally than is now customary in some places. 



TRAVELS IN ENGLAND. 177 

23d of Sth month. Was this day at Preston-Patrick, 
and had a comfortable meeting. I have, several times, 
been entertained at the houses of Friends who had 
sundry things about them which had the appearance 
of outward greatness: and as I have kept inward, way 
hath opened for conversation with such in private, in 
which Divine goodness hath favoured us together, with 
heart-tendering times. 

A deviation amongst us, as a society, from the sim- 
plicity that there is in Christ, becoming so general; 
and the trade from this Island to Africa for slaves, 
and other trades carried on through oppressive chan- 
nels; — and abundance of the inhabitants being em- 
ployed in factories, to support a trade in which there 
is unrighteousness, and some growing outwardly great 
by a gain of this sort: — The weight of this degeneracy 
hath lain so heavy upon me; — the depth of this revolt, 
been so evident; — and desires in my heart, been so 
ardent for a reformation, — that we may come to that 
right use of things, where, living on a little, we may 
inhabit that holy mountain, in which they neither 
hurt nor destroy; — and may not only stand clear 
from oppressing our fellow-creatures, but may be so 
disentangled from connexions of interest with known 
oppressors, that in us may be fulfilled that prophecy, 
"Thou shalt be far from oppression." 

Under the weight of this exercise, the sight of in- 
nocent birds among the branches, and sheep in the 
pastures, who act according to the will of their Crea- 
tor, hath at times tended to mitigate my trouble. 

The 26th of the 8th month, 1772. Being now at 
George Crosfield's, in the county of Westmoreland, 
I feel a concern to commit to writing, that which to 
me hath been a case uncommon. 

In a time of sickness with the pleurisy, a little up- 
ward of two years and a half ago, I was brought so 
near the gates of death, that I forgot my name. Be- 
ing then desirous to know who I was, I saw a mass 
of matter of a dull gloomy colour, between the south 



178 john woolman's journal. 1772 

and the east; and was informed that this mass was 
human beings, in as great misery as they could be, 
and live; and that I was mixed in with them, and 
henceforth might not consider myself as a distinct or 
separate being. In this state I remained several hours. 
I then heard a soft melodious voice, more pure and 
harmonious than any voice I had heard with my ears 
before; and I believed it was the voice of an angel 
who spake to the other angels. The words were — 
John Woolman is dead. I soon remembered that I 
once was John Woolman; and being assured that I 
was alive in the body, I greatly wondered what that 
heavenly voice could mean. 

I believed, beyond doubting, that it was the voice 
of an holy angel; — but, as yet, it was a mystery to 
me. * 

I was then carried in spirit to the mines, where 
poor oppressed people were digging rich treasures 
for those called christians; and heard them blaspheme 
the name of Christ, at which I was grieved; for his 
name to me was precious. 

Then I was informed that these heathen were told 
that those who oppressed them were the followers of 
Christ; and they said amongst themselves, If Christ 
directed them to use us in this sort, then Christ is a 
cruel tyrant. 

All this time the song of the angel remained a mys- 
tery. And in the morning, my dear wife and some 
others coming to my bed-side, I asked them if they 
knew who I was: and they telling me I was John 
Woolman, thought I was only light-headed: for I 
told them not what the angel said, nor was I dispos- 
ed to talk much to any one; but was very desirous to 
get so deep that I might understand this mystery. 

My tongue was often so dry that I could not speak 
till I had moved it about and gathered some moisture; 
and as I lay still for a time, at length, I felt Divine 
power prepare my mouth that I could speak; and then 
I said, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; 
yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which 



TRAVELS IN ENGLAND. 179 

I now live in the flesh, is by the faith of the Son of 
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." 

Then the mystery was opened; and I perceived 
there was joy in heaven over a sinner who had 
repented; and that that language, — John Woolman 
is dead, — meant no more than the death of my own 
will. 

Soon after this I coughed, and raised much bloody 
matter; which I had not done during this vision: and 
now my natural understanding returned as before. — 
Here I saw, that people getting silver vessels to set 
off their tables at entertainments, was often stained 
with worldly glory; and that in the present state of 
things, I should take heed how I fed myself from out 
of silver vessels. 

Soon after my recovery, I, going to our monthly 
meeting, dined at a Friend's house, where drink was 
brought in silver vessels, and not in any other; and 
I, wanting some drink, told him my case with weep- 
ing; and he ordered some drink for me in another 
vessel. 

The like I afterwards went through in several 
Friends' houses in America, and have also in Eng- 
land, since I came here: and have cause, with hum- 
ble reverence, to acknowledge the loving-kindness of 
my heavenly Father, who hath preserved me in such 
a tender frame of mind, that none, I believe, have 
ever been offended at what I have said on that occa- 
sion. 

After this sickness, I spake not in public meetings 
for worship for near one year; but my mind was very 
often in company with the oppressed slaves, as I sat 
in meetings. And though under this dispensation, I 
was shut up from speaking, yet the spring of the gos- 
pel ministry was, many times, livingly opened in me; 
and the Divine gift operated by abundance of weeping, 
in feeling the oppression of this people. It being so 
long since I passed through this dispensation, and 
the matter remaining fresh and livingly in my mind, 
I believe it safest for me to commit it to writing. 



180 john woolman's journal. 1772 

The 30th of 8th month. This morning I wrote a 
letter in substance as follows: 
Beloved friend, — 

My mind is often affected as I pass along, un- 
der a sense of the state of many poor people, who sit 
under that sort of ministry which requires much out- 
ward labour to support it; and the loving kindness of 
our heavenly Father, in opening a pure gospel minis- 
try in this nation, hath often raised thankfulness in 
my heart toward him. I often remember the conflicts 
of the faithful under persecution, and now look at the 
free exercise of the pure gift, uninterrupted by out- 
ward laws, as a trust committed to us, which requires 
our deepest gratitude, and most careful attention. I 
feel a tender concern, that the work of reformation, so 
prosperously carried on in this land within a few ages 
past, may go forward and spread amongst the nations; 
and may not go backward, through dust gathering on 
our garments who have been called to a work so great 
and so precious. 

Last evening I had a little opportunity at thy house, 
with some of thy family, in thy absence; in which I 
rejoiced: and feeling a sweetness on my mind toward 
thee, I now endeavour to open a little of the feeling 
I had there. 

I have heard, that you, in these parts, have, at cer- 
tain seasons, meetings of conference, in relation to 
Friends living up to our principles; in which several 
meetings unite in one; with which I feel unity: I hav- 
ing, in some measure, felt Truth lead that way amongst 
Friends in America; and have found, my dear friend, 
that, in these labours, all superfluities in our own liv- 
ing are against us. I feel that pure love toward thee, 
in which there is freedom. 

I look at that precious gift bestowed on thee, with 
awfulness before Him who gave it: and feel a care 
that we may be so separated to the gospel of Christ, 
that those things which proceed from the spirit of this 
world, may have no place amongst us. Thy friend, 

John Woolman. 



TRAVELS IN ENGLAND. 181 

I rested a few days, in body and mind, with our 
friend Jane Crosfield, who was once in America: was 
on the 6th day of the week, at Kendal in Westmore- 
land; and at Greyrig meeting the 30th of the month, 
and first of the week. 

I have known poverty of late; and been graciously 
supported to keep in the patience: and am thankful, 
under a sense of the goodness of the Lord toward those 
that are of a contrite spirit. 

6th of 9th month, and first of the week. Was this 
day at Counterside; a large meeting house, and very 
full: and through the opening of pure love, it was a 
strengthening time to me, and (I believe) to many more. 

13th. Was this day at Richmond, a small meeting; 
but the town's people coming in, the house was crowd- 
ed. It was a time of heavy labour; and I believe was 
a profitable meeting. 

At this place I heard that my kinsman William 
Hunt, from North Carolina, who was on a religious 
visit to Friends in England, departed this life on the 
9th day of the 9th month, instant, of the small-pox, 
at Newcastle. He appeared in the ministry when a 
youth; and his labours therein were of good savour. 
He travelled much in that work in America. I once 
heard him say in public testimony, that his concern 
was, in that visit, to be devoted to the service of 
Christ so fully, that he might not spend one minute 
in pleasing himself: which words, joined with his 
example, was a means of stirring up the pure mind 
in me. 

Having of late travelled often in wet weather, thro' 
narrow streets in towns and villages, where was dir- 
tiness under foot, and the scent arising from that filth 
which more or less infects the air of all thick settled 
towns; and I being but weakly, have felt distress both 
in body and mind with that which is impure. 

In these journies I have been where much cloth 
hath been dyed; and sundry times have walked over 
ground where much of their dye-stuffs have drained 
away. 

16 



182 john woolman's journal. 1772 

Here I have felt a longing in my mind, that people 
might come into cleanness of spirit, cleanness of per- 
son, cleanness about their houses and garments. 

Some who are great, carry delicacy to a great height 
themselves, and yet the real cleanliness is not gener- 
ally promoted. Dyes being invented partly to please 
the eye, and partly to hide dirt; — I have felt in this 
weak state, travelling in dirtiness and affected with 
unwholesome scents, — a strong desire that the nature 
of dyeing cloth to hide dirt may be more fully con- 
sidered. 

To hide dirt in our garments, appears opposite to 
the real cleanliness. 

To wash garments, and keep them sweet; this ap- 
pears cleanly. 

Through giving way to hiding dirt in our garments, 
a spirit which would cover that which is disagreeable, 
is strengthened. 

Real cleanness becometh a holy people: but hiding 
that which is not clean by colouring our garments, 
appears contrary to the sweetness of sincerity. 

Through some sorts of dyes, cloth is less useful: 
and if the value of dye-stuffs, the expense of dyeing, 
and the damage done to cloth, were all added togeth- 
er, and that expense applied to keep all sweet and 
clean, how much more cleanly would people be! 

On this visit to England I have felt some instruc- 
tions sealed on my mind, which I am concerned to 
leave in writing, for the use of such who are called to 
the station of a minister of Christ. 

Christ being the Prince of Peace, and we being no 
more than ministers, I find it necessary for us, not 
only to feel a concern in our first going forth, but to 
experience the renewing thereof in the appointment 
of meetings. 

I felt a concern in America, to prepare for this voy- 
age; and being through the mercy of God brought safe 
here, my heart was like a vessel that wanted vent; and 
for several weeks at first, when my mouth was open- 
ed in meetings, it often felt like the raising of a gate 



JOHN WOOLMANS JOURNAL. 183 

in a water course, where a weight of water lay upon 
it; and in these labours there appeared a fresh visita- 
tion of love to many, especially the youth. But some 
time after this, I felt empty and poor, and yet felt a 
necessity to appoint meetings. 

In this state I was exercised to abide in the pure 
life of Truth, and in all my labours to watch diligent- 
ly against the motions of self in my own mind. 

I have frequently felt a necessity to stand up, when 
the spring of the ministry was low, and to speak from 
the necessity, in that which subjecteth the will of the 
creature; and herein I was united with the suffering 
seed, and found inward sweetness in these mortifying 
labours. 

As I have been preserved in a watchful attention 
to the Divine leader under these dispensations, en- 
largement at times hath followed, and the power of 
Truth hath rose higher in some meetings, than I ever 
knew it before through me. 

Thus I have been more and more instructed, as to 
the necessity of depending, not upon a concern which 
I felt in America to come on a visit to England, but 
upon the fresh instructions of Christ, the prince of 
peace, from day to day. 

Now of late, I have felt a stop in the appointment 
of meetings, not wholly but in part; and I do not feel 
liberty to appoint them so quick one after another as 
I have heretofore. 



The work of the ministry being a work of Divine 
love, I feel that the openings thereof are to be wait- 
ed for, in all our appointments. 

Oh! how deep is Divine wisdom! Christ puts forth 
his ministers, and goeth before them; and Oh! how 
great is the danger of departing from the pure feeling 
of that which leadeth safely! 

Christ knoweth the state of the people, and in the 
pure feeling of the gospel ministry, their states are 
opened to his servants. 



184 john woolman's journal. 1772 

Christ knoweth when the fruit-bearing branches 
themselves have need of purging. 

Oh! that these lessons may be remembered by me! 
and that all who appoint meetings, may proceed in 
the pure feeling of duty. 

I have sometimes felt a necessity to stand up; but 
that spirit which is of the world hath so much prevail- 
ed in many, and the pure life of Truth been so press- 
ed down, that I have gone forward, — not as one tra- 
velling in a road cast up, and well prepared, but as a 
man walking through a miry place, in which are 
stones here and there, safe to step on; but so situated 
that one step being taken, time is necessary to see 
where to step next. 

Now I find that in pure obedience, the mind learns 
contentment in appearing weak and foolish to that 
wisdom which is of the world: and in these lowly la- 
bours, they who stand in a low place, rightly exer- 
cised under the cross, will find nourishment. 

The gift is pure; and while the eye is single in at- 
tending thereto, the understanding is preserved clear; 
self is kept out; and we rejoice in filling up that which 
remains of the afflictions of Christ for his body's sake, 
which is the church. 

The natural man loveth eloquence, and many love 
to hear eloquent orations: and if there is not a care- 
ful attention to the gift, men who have once laboured 
in the pure gospel ministry, growing weary of suffer- 
ing, and ashamed of appearing weak, — may kindle a 
fire, compass themselves about with sparks, and walk 
in the light, — not of Christ who is under suffering, — 
but of that fire which they, going from the gift, have 
kindled: And that in hearers, which is gone from the 
meek suffering state, into the worldly wisdom, may 
be warmed with this fire, and speak highly of these 
labours. That which is of God gathers to God; and 
that which is of the world is owned by the world. 

In this journey a labour hath attended my mind, 
that the ministers amongst us may be preserved in 
the meek feeling life of Truth, where we have no de- 



JOHN W00IM4NS JOURNAL. 185 

sire but to follow Christ and be with him; that when 
he is under suffering we may suffer with him; and 
never desire to rise up in dominion, but as he by the 
virtue of his own spirit may raise us. 



A few days after writing these considerations, our 
dear friend in the course of his religious visits, came 
to the city of York, and attended most of the sittings 
of the Quarterly meeting there; but before it was over, 
was taken ill of the small-pox. Our friend Thomas 
Priestman and others who attended him, preserved 
the following minutes of his expressions in the time 
of his sickness, and of his decease. 

First-day, the 27lh of the 9th month, 1772. His 
disorder appeared to be the small-pox. Being asked 
to have a doctor's advice, he signified he had not free- 
dom or liberty in his mind so to do; standing wholly 
resigned to His will who gave him life, and whose 
power he had witnessed to raise and heal him in sick- 
ness before, when he seemed nigh unto death; and if 
he was to wind up now, he was perfectly resigned, 
having no will either to live or die; and did not choose 
any should be sent for to him. But a young man, an 
apothecary, coming of his own accord the next day, 
and desiring to do something for him, he said he found 
a freedom to confer with him and the other Friends 
about him, and if any thing should be proposed, as to 
medicine, that did not come through defiled channels 
or oppressive hands, he should be willing to consider 
and take it, so far as he found freedom. 

Second-day. He said he felt the disorder to affect 
his head, so that he could think little, and but as a 
child; and desired, if his understanding should be 
more affected, to have nothing given him that those 
about knew he had a testimony against. 

Third-day, he uttered the following prayer: — "0 
Lord my God, the amazing horrors of darkness were 
gathered around me and covered me all over, and I 
16* 



186 john woolman's journal. 1772 

saw no way to go forth. I felt the depth and extent 
of the misery of my fellow-creatures separated from 
the divine harmony, and it was heavier than I could 
bear; and I was crushed down under it. I lifted up 
my hand, — I stretched out my arm; but there was 
none to help me. I looked round about and was 
amazed. In the depths of misery, Lord! I remem- 
bered that thou art omnipotent; — that I had called 
thee Father; — and I felt that I loved thee; and I was 
made quiet in thy will; and I waited for deliverance 
from thee. Thou hadst pity upon me when no man 
could help me. I saw that meekness under suffering 
was showed to us in the most affecting example of 
thy Son, and thou wast teaching me to follow him; 
and I said, thy will Father be done." 

Fourth-day morning, being asked how he felt him- 
self, he meekly answered, "I don't know that I have 
slept this night. I feel the disorder making its pro- 
gress; but my mind is mercifully preserved in still- 
ness and peace." Some time after, he said he was 
sensible the pains of death must be hard to bear, but 
if he escaped them now, he must some time pass 
through them; and he did not know that he could be 
better prepared, but had no will in it. He said he 
had settled his outward affairs to his mind, — had taken 
leave of his wife and famil} r as never to return, — 
leaving them to the Divine protection: adding, "And 
though I feel them near to me at this time, yet I free- 
ly give them up, having a hope that they will be pro- 
vided for." And a little after said, "This trial is 
made easier than I could have thought, my will being 
wholly taken away: for if I was anxious for the event 
it would have been harder; but I am not, and my 
mind enjoys a perfect calm." 

In the night, a young woman having given him 
something to drink, he said, "My child thou seems 
very kind to me, a poor creature; the Lord will re- 
ward thee for it." A while after, he cried out with 
great earnestness of spirit, "Oh my Father! my Fa- 
ther!" and soon after he sr»d, u Oh my Father! my 



JOHN woolman's journal. 187 

Father! how comfortable art thou to my soul in this 
trying season. " Being asked if he could take a little 
nourishment; after some pause he replied, "My child, 
I cannot tell what to say to it: I seem nearly arrived 
where my soul shall have rest from all its troubles." 
After giving in something to be inserted in his Jour- 
nal, he said, "I believe the Lord will now excuse me 
from exercises of this kind; and I see no work but 
one, which is to be the last wrought by me in this 
world; the messenger will come that will release me 
from all these troubles; but it must be in the Lord's 
time, which I am waiting for." 

He said he had laboured to do whatever was requir- 
ed, according to the ability received, in the remem- 
brance of which he had peace: and though the disor- 
der was strong at times, and would like a whirlwind 
come over his mind; yet it had hitherto been kept 
steady and centred in everlasting love; adding, "And 
if that be mercifully continued, I ask nor desire no 
more." Another time he said, he had long had a 
view of visiting this nation; and some time before he 
came, had a dream, in which he saw himself in the 
northern parts of it, and that the spring of the gospel 
was opened in him much as in the beginning of 
Friends; such as George Fox and William Dewsber- 
ry, and he saw the different states of the people, as 
clear as he had ever seen flowers in a garden; but in 
his going along he was suddenly stopped, though he 
could not see for what end; but looking towards home, 
fell into a flood of tears, which waked him. 

At another time he said, "My draught seemed 
strongest towards the North; and I mentioned in my 
own monthly meeting, that attending the Quarterly 
meeting at York, and being there looked like home 
to me." 

Fifth-day night, having repeatedly consented to 
takenmedicine with a view to settle his stomach, but 
without effect; the friend then waiting on him, said 
through distress, "what shall I do now?" He answer- 
ed with great composure, "Rejoice ever more, and in 



188 JOHN woolman's journal. 1772 

every thing give thanks;" but added a little after. 
"This is sometimes hard to come at." 

Sixth-day morning, he broke forth early in suppli- 
cation on this wise: "0 Lord, it was thy power that 
enabled me to forsake sin in my youth, and I have 
felt thy bruises for disobedience; but as I bowed un- 
der them, thou healed me, continuing a father and a 
friend: I feel thy power now, and I beg that in the 
approaching trying moment, thou wilt keep my heart 
steadfast unto thee." Upon his giving directions to a 
friend concerning some little things, she said, "I will 
take care, but hope thou wilt live to order them thy- 
self;" he replied, "My hope is in Christ, and though 
I may seem a little better, a change in the disorder 
may soon happen, and my little strength be dissolved: 
and if it so happens, I shall be gathered to my ever- 
lasting rest." On her saying she did not doubt that, 
but could not help mourning to see so many faithful 
servants removed at so low a time; he said, "All good 
cometh from the Lord, whose power is the same, and 
can work as he sees best." The same day he had 
given directions about wrapping his corpse; and per- 
ceiving a friend to weep, he said, "I would rather 
thou vvouldst guard against weeping for me, my sis- 
ter; I sorrow not, though I have had some painful 
conflicts; but now they seem over, and matters well 
settled; and I look at the face of my dear Redeemer, 
for sweet is his voice and his countenance is comely." 

First-day, 4th of the 10th month, being very weak 
and in general difficult to be understood, he uttered a 
few words in commemoration of the Lord's goodness; 
and added, "How tenderly have I been waited on in 
this time of affliction! in which I may say in Job's 
words, Tedious days and wearisome nights are ap- 
pointed unto me; and how many are spending their 
time and money in vanity and superfluities, while 
thousands and tens of thousands want the necessaries 
of life, who might be relieved by them, and then- 
distresses at such a time as this, in some degree soft- 
ened by the administering suitable things!" 



john woolman's journal. 189 

Second-day morning, the apothecary, who appear- 
ed very anxious to assist him, being present, he que- 
ried about the probability of such a load of matter 
being thrown off his weak body; and the apothecary 
making some remarks implying he thought it might; 
he spoke with an audible voice on this wise: "My 
dependance is in the Lord Jesus Christ, who I trust 
will forgive my sins, which is all I hope for: and if 
it be his will to raise up this body again, I am con- 
tent: and if to die, I am resigned: and if thou canst 
not be easy without trying to assist nature, I submit. " 
After which his throat was so much affected, that it 
was very difficult for him to speak so as to be under- 
stood, and he frequently wrote when he wanted any 
thing. About the second hour on fourth-day morn- 
ing, he asked for pen and ink; and at several times, 
with much difficulty wrote thus; "I believe my being 
here is in the wisdom of Christ; I know not as to life 
or death." 

About a quarter before six the same morning, he 
seemed to fall into an easy sleep, which continued 
about half an hour; when, seeming to awake, he 
breathed a few times with more difficulty, and expir- 
ed without sigh, groan, or struggle. 



END OF THE JOURNAL. 






THE 



WORKS 



JOHN WOOL.MAN. 



SOME 

CONSIDERATIONS 

ON THE 

KEEPING OF NEGROES. 

Recommended to the Professors of Christianity of every 
Denomination. 

First printed in the year 1754. 

INTRODUCTION. 

Customs generally approved, and opinions received 
by youth from their superiors, become like the natu- 
ral produce of a soil, especially when they are suited 
to favourite inclinations. But as the judgments of 
God are without partiality, by which the state of the 
soul must be tried, it would be the highest wisdom to 
forego customs and popular opinions, and try the trea- 
sures of the soul by the infallible standard Truth. 

Natural affection needs a careful examination. — 
Operating upon us in a soft manner, it kindles desires 
of love and tenderness, and there is danger of taking 
it for something higher. To me it appears an instinct 
like that which inferior creatures have: each of them, 
we see, by the ties of nature, love self best; that which 
is a part of self , they love by the same tie or instinct. 
In them, it in some measure does the offices of rea- 
son; by which, among other things, they watchfully 
keep, and orderly feed their helpless offspring. Thus 
natural affection appears to be a branch of self-love; 
good in the animal race, in us likewise, with proper 
limitations; but otherwise is productive of evil, by ex- 
citing desires to promote some by means prejudicial 
to others. 
17 



194 INTRODUCTION. 

Our blessed Lord seems to give a check to this ir- 
regular fondness in nature, and, at the same time, a 
precedent for us: "Who is my mother, and who are 
my brethren?" Thereby intimating, that the earthly 
ties of relationship, are comparatively, inconsiderable 
to such who through a steady course of obedience, 
have come to the happy experience of the spirit of 
God bearing witness with their spirits that they are 
his children: — "And he stretched forth his hands to- 
wards his disciples, and said, Behold my mother, and 
my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my 
Father which is in heaven, (arrives at the more noble 
part of true relationship) the same is my brother, and 
sister, and mother.'' Matt. xii. 48. 

This doctrine agrees well with a state truly com- 
plete, where love necessarily operates according to the 
agreeableness of things, on principles unalterable and 
in themselves perfect. 

If endeavouring to have my children eminent 
amongst men after my death, be that which no rea- 
sons grounded on these principles can be brought to 
support; then, to be temperate in my pursuit after 
gain, and to keep always within the bounds of those 
principles, is an indispensable duty; and to depart 
from it, a dark unfruitful toil. 

In our present condition, to love our children is 
needful; but except this love proceeds from the true 
heavenly principle which sees beyqnd earthly trea- 
sures, it will rather be injurious than of any real ad- 
vantage to them. Where the fountain is corrupt, the 
streams must necessarily be impure. 

That important injunction of our Saviour, Matt. vi. 
33, with the promise annexed, contains a short but 
comprehensive view of our duty and happiness. If 
then the business of mankind in this life, is, to first 
seek another; if this cannot be done, but by attending 
to the means; if a summary of the means is, Not to 
do that to another which, in like circumstances, we 
would not have done unto us; then these are points 



INTRODUCTION. 195 

of moment, and worthy of our most serious consider- 
ation. 

What I write on this subject is with reluctance, and 
the hints given are in as general terms as my concern 
would allow. I know it is a point about which, in all 
its branches, men that appear to aim well are not ge- 
nerally agreed; and for that reason, I choose to avoid 
being very particular. — If I may happily have let drop 
any thing that may excite such as are concerned in the 
practice to a close thinking on the subject treated of, 
the candid amongst them may easily do the subject 
such further justice, as, on an impartial inquiry, it 
may appear to deserve; and such an inquiry I would 
earnestly recommend. 



SOME CONSIDERATIONS, &c- 



Forasmuch as ye did it to the least of these my brethren, ye did it 
unto me. — Matt. xxv. 40. 

As many times there are different motives to the 
same actions; and one does that from a generous heart, 
which another does for selfish ends; — the like may be 
said in this case. 

There are various circumstances amongst them that 
keep negroes, and different ways by which they fall 
under their care; and, I doubt not, there are many 
well-disposed persons amongst them, who desire ra- 
ther to manage wisely and justly in this difficult mat- 
ter, than 1o make gain of it. 

But the general disadvantage which these poor 
Africans lie under in an enlightened christian coun- 
try, having often filled me with real sadness, and been 
like undigested matter on my mind, — I now think it 
my duty, through Divine aid, to offer some thoughts 
thereon to the consideration of others. 

When we remember that all nations are of one 
blood, Gen. iii. 20, — that in this world we are but 
sojourners, — that we are subject to the like afflictions 
and infirmities of body, the like disorders and frailties 
in mind, the like temptations, the same death, and the 
same judgment, — and that the all-wise Being is Judge 
and Lord over us all, — it seems to raise an idea of a 
general brotherhood, and a disposition easy to be 
touched with a feeling of each other's afflictions. But 
when we forget these things, and look chiefly at our 
outward circumstances, in this and some ages past; 
constantly retaining in our minds the distinction be- 
twixt us and them, with respect to our knowledge and 
improvement in things divine, natural and artificial, — 
our breasts being apt to be filled with fond notions of 



CONSIDERATIONS. 197 

superiority, — there is danger of erring in our conduct 
toward them. 

We allow them to be of the same species with our- 
selves; the odds is, we are in a higher station, and en- 
joy greater favours than they. And when it is thus, 
that our heavenly Father endoweth some of his chil- 
dren with distinguished gifts, they are intended for 
good ends: but if those thus gifted are thereby lifted 
up above their brethren, not considering themselves 
as debtors to the weak, nor behaving themselves as 
faithful stewards, — none who judge impartially can 
suppose them free from ingratitude. 

When a people dwell under the liberal distribution 
of favours from heaven, it behoves them carefully to 
inspect their ways, and consider the purposes for 
which those favours were bestowed; lest, through for- 
getfulness of God, and misusing his gifts, they incur 
his heavy displeasure whose judgments are just and 
equal, who exalteth and humbleth to the dust as he 
seeth meet. 

It appears, by holy record, that men under high fa- 
vours have been apt to err in their opinions concern- 
ing others. Thus Israel, according to the description 
of the prophet Isaiah, when exceedingly corrupted and 
degenerated, yet remembered they were the chosen 
people of God ; and could say, "Stand by thyself, come 
not near me, for I am holier than thou." That this 
was no chance language, but their common opinion of 
other people, more fully appears, by considering the 
circumstances which attended when God was begin- 
ning to fulfil his precious promises concerning the 
gathering of the Gentiles. 

The Most High, in a vision, undeceived Peter; 
first, prepared his heart to believe; and, at the house 
of Cornelius, showed him of a certainty, that God was 
no respecter of persons. 

The effusion of the Holy Ghost upon a people, with 
whom they, the Jewish christians would not so much 
as eat, was strange to them. All they of the circum- 
cision were astonished to see it: and the apostles and 
17* 



198 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

brethren of Judea contended with Peter about it; till 
he, having rehearsed the whole matter, and fully 
shown that the Father's love was unlimited, they 
were thereat struck with admiration, and cried out, 
"Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repent- 
ance unto life!" 

The opinion of peculiar favours being confined to 
them, was deeply rooted, or else the above instance 
had been less strange to them, for these reasons: 
First, They were generally acquainted with the wri- 
tings of the prophets, by whom this time was repeat- 
edly spoken of, and pointed at. Secondly, Our bless- 
ed Lord shortly before expressly said, "I have other 
sheep, not of this fold, them also must I bring," &c. 
Lastly, His words to them after his resurrection, at 
the very time of his ascension, "Ye shall be witnesses 
to me, not only in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria, but 
to the uttermost parts of the earth." 

Those concurring circumstances, one would think, 
might have raised a strong expectation of seeing such 
a time: yet, when it came, it proved matter of offence 
and astonishment. 

To consider mankind otherwise than brethren, — to 
think favours are peculiar to one nation, and exclude 
others, plainly supposes a darkness in the understand- 
ing. For, as God's love is universal, so where the 
mind is sufficiently influenced by it, it begets a like- 
ness of itself, and the heart is enlarged towards all 
men. Again: to conclude a people fro ward, perverse, 
and worse by nature than others, (who ungratefully 
receive favours, and apply them to bad ends) — this 
will excite a behaviour toward them, unbecoming the 
excellence of true religion. 

To prevent such error, let us calmly consider their 
circumstance; and, the better to do it, make their case 
ours. Suppose, then, that our ancestors and we had 
been exposed to constant servitude, in the more ser- 
vile and inferior employments of life; — that we had 
been destitute of the help of reading and good com- 
pany; — that amongst ourselves we had had few wise 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 199 

and pious instructors; — that the religious amongst our 
superiors seldom took notice of us; — that while others, 
in ease, have plentifully heaped up the fruit of our la- 
bour, we had received barely enough to relieve nature; 
and, being wholly at the command of others, had ge- 
nerally been treated as a contemptible, ignorant part 
of mankind: should we, in that case, be less abject 
than they now are? Again; if oppression be so hard 
to bear, that a wise man is made mad by it, Eccl. vii. 
7, then a series of those things, altering the behaviour 
and manners of a people, is what may reasonably be 
expected. 

When our property is taken contrary to our mind, 
by means appearing to us unjust, it is only through 
Divine influence, and the enlargement of heart from 
thence proceeding, that we can love our reputed op- 
pressors. If the negroes fall short in this, an uneasy, 
if not a disconsolate disposition will be awakened, and 
remain like seeds in their minds, producing sloth and 
many other habits appearing odious to us; with which, 
being free men, they perhaps had not been chargeable. 
These and other circumstances, rightly considered, 
will lessen that too great disparity which some make 
between us and them. 

Integrity of heart hath appeared in some of them: 
so that, if we continue in the word of Christ (previous 
to discipleship, John viii. 31,) and our conduct toward 
them be seasoned with his love, we may hope to see 
the good effect of it: the which, in a good degree, is 
the case with some into whose hands they have fallen: 
but that too many treat them otherwise, not seeming 
conscious of any neglect, is, alas! too evident. 

When self-love presides in our minds, our opinions 
are biassed in our own favour. In this condition, be- 
ing concerned with a people so situated that they have 
no voice to plead their own cause, there is danger of 
using ourselves to an undisturbed partiality, till, by 
long custom, the mind becomes reconciled with it, and 
the judgment itself infected. 



200 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

To humbly apply to God for wisdom, that we may 
thereby be enabled to see things as they are, and ought 
to be, is very needful. Hereby the hidden things of 
darkness may be brought to light, and the judgment 
made clear: we shall then consider mankind as bre- 
thren. Though different degrees and a variety of 
qualifications and abilities, one dependant on another, 
be admitted; yet high thoughts will be laid aside, and 
all men treated as becometh the sons of one father, 
agreeable to the doctrine of Christ Jesus. 

"He hath laid down the best criterion, by which 
mankind ought to judge of their own conduct, and 
others judge for them of theirs, one towards another, 
viz. " Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto 
you, do ye even so to them." I take it, that all men 
by nature are equally entitled to the equity of this rule, 
and under the indispensable obligations of it. One 
man ought not to look upon another man, or society 
of men, as so far beneath him; but that he should put 
himself in their place, in all his actions towards Ihem, 
and bring all to this test, viz. How should I approve 
of this conduct, were I in their circumstances, and 
they in mine?" A. Arscot's Considerations, p. III. 
fol. 107. 

This doctrine being of a moral, unchangeable na- 
ture, hath been likewise inculcated in the former 
dispensation. "If a stranger sojourn with thee in 
your land, ye shall not vex him: but the stranger 
that dvvelleth with you, shall be as one born amongst 
you, and thou shalt love him as thyself." Lev. xix. 
33, 34. Had these people come voluntary and dwelt 
amongst us, to have called them strangers would be 
proper; and their being brought by force, with regret, 
and a languishing mind, may well raise compassion 
in a heart rightly disposed: but there is nothing in 
such treatment, which, upon a wise and judicious 
consideration, will any ways lessen their right of be- 
ing treated as strangers. If the treatment which 
many of them meet with, be rightly examined, and 
compared with these precepts; "Thou shalt not vex 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 201 

him nor oppress him; he shall be as one born amongst 
you, and thou shalt love him as thyself," Lev. xix. 
33 — Deut. xxvii. 19, there will appear an important 
difference betwixt them. 

It may be objected there is cost of purchase, and 
risk of their lives to them who possess them, and 
therefore needful that they make the best use of their 
time. In a practice just and reasonable, such objec- 
tions may have weight; but if the work be wrong 
from the beginning, there is little or no force in them. 
If I purchase a man who hath never forfeited his li- 
berty, the natural right of freedom is in him; and 
shall I keep him and his posterity in servitude and 
ignorance? "How should I approve of this conduct, 
were I in his circumstances, and he in mine?" It 
may be thought, that to treat them as we would wil- 
lingly be treated, our gain by them would be incon- 
siderable: and it were, in divers respects, better that 
there were none in our country. 

We may further consider that they are now amongst 
us, and those of our nation the cause of their being 
here; — that whatsoever difficulty accrues thereon, we 
are justly chargeable with, and to bear all inconveni- 
encies attending it, with a serious and weighty con- 
cern of mind to do our duty by them, is the best we 
can do. To seek a remedy by continuing the oppres- 
sion, because we have power to do it and see others 
do it, will, I apprehend, not be doing as we would be 
done by. 

How deeply soever men are involved in the most 
exquisite difficulties, sincerity of heart and upright 
walking before God, freely submitting to his provi- 
dence, is the most sure remedy. He only is able to 
relieve, not only persons, but nations in their greatest 
calamities. 

David, in a great strait, when the sense of his past 
error, and the full expectation of an impending cala- 
mity as the reward of it, were united to the aggrava- 
ting his distress, after some deliberation, saith, "Let 
me fall now into the hand of the Lord, for very great 



202 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

are his mercies; but let me not fall into the hand of 
man." 1 Chron. xxi. 13. 

To act continually with integrity of heart, above 
all narrow or selfish motives, is a sure token of our 
being partakers of that salvation which "God hath 
appointed for walls and bulwarks," Isa. v. 26; and 
is, beyond all contradiction, a more happy situation 
than can ever be promised by the utmost reach of art 
and power united, not proceeding from heavenly 
wisdom. 

A supply to nature's lawful wants, joined with a 
peaceful, humble mind, is the truest happiness in this 
life; and if here we arrive to this, and remain to walk 
in the path of the just, our case will be truly happy. 
And though herein we may part with, or miss of some 
glaring shows of riches, and leave our children little 
else but wise instructions, a good example, and the 
knowledge of some honest employment; — these, with 
the blessing of Providence, are sufficient for their 
happiness, and are more likely to prove so, than lay- 
ing up treasures for them, which are often rather a 
snare, than any real benefit; especially to them, who, 
instead of being exampled to temperance, are in all 
things taught to prefer the getting of riches, and to 
eye the temporal distinctions they give, as the prin- 
cipal business of this life. These readily overlook 
the true happiness of man, as it results from the en- 
joyment of all things in the fear of God; and, misera- 
bly substituting an inferior good, dangerous in the 
acquiring, and uncertain in the fruition, they are sub- 
ject to many disappointments; and every sweet carries 
its sting. 

It is the conclusion of our blessed Lord and his 
apostles, as appears by their lives and doctrines, that 
the highest delights of sense, or most pleasing objects 
visible, ought ever to be accounted infinitely inferior 
to that real intellectual happiness suited to man in his 
primitive innocence, and now to be found in true re- 
novation of mind; — and that the comforts of our pre- 
sent life, the things most grateful to us, ought always 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 203 

to be received with temperance, and never made the 
chief objects of our desire, hope, or love: but that our 
whole heart and affections be principally looking to 
that "city which hath foundations, whose maker and 
builder is God." Did we so improve the gifts be- 
stowed on us, that our children might have an educa- 
tion suited to these doctrines, and our example to 
confirm it, we might rejoice in hopes of their being 
heirs of an inheritance incorruptible. 

This inheritance, as christians, we esteem the most 
valuable; and how then can we fail to desire it for our 
children? Oh! that we were consistent with ourselves, 
in pursuing means necessary to obtain it! 

It appears, by experience, that where children are 
educated in fulness, ease and idleness, — evil habits 
are more prevalent, than in common amongst such 
who are prudently employed in the necessary affairs 
of life. And if children are not only educated in the 
way of so great temptation, but have also the oppor- 
tunity of lording it over their fellow-creatures, and 
being masters of men in their childhood, — how can 
we hope otherwise than that their tender minds will 
be possessed with thoughts too high for them? Which, 
by continuance,gaining strength, will prove like a slow 
current, gradually separating them from (or keeping 
from acquaintance with) that humility and meekness 
in which alone lasting happiness can be enjoyed. 

Man is born to labour; and experience abundantly 
showeth that it is for our good. But where the pow- 
ful lay the burden on the inferior, without affording a 
christian education, and suitable opportunity of im- 
proving the mind, and a treatment which we, in their 
case, should approve, that themselves may live at ease, 
and fare sumptuously, and lay up riches for their 
posterity;— this seems to contradict the design of Pro- 
vidence, and, I doubt, is sometimes the effect of a 
perverted mind: for while the life of one is made 
grievous by the rigour of another, it entails misery 
on both. 



204 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

Amongst the manifold works of Providence, dis- 
played in the different ages of the world, these which 
follow (with many others) may afford instruction: 

Abraham was called of God to leave his country 
and kindred, to sojourn amongst strangers. Through 
famine and danger of death, he was forced to flee from 
one kingdom to another. He, at length, not only had 
assurance of being the father of many nations, but be- 
came a mighty prince. Gen. xxiii. 6. 

Remarkable were the dealings of God with Jacob 
in a low estate; the just sense he retained of them af- 
ter his advancement, appears by his words: "I am 
not worthy of the least of all thy mercies." Gen. xxxii. 
10. xlviii. 15. 

The numerous afflictions of Joseph were very sin- 
gular; the particular providence of God therein, no 
less manifested. He, at length, became governor of 
Egypt, and famous for wisdom and virtue. 

The series of troubles which David passed through, 
few amongst us are ignorant of; and yet he afterwards 
became as one of the great men of the earth. 

Some evidences of the Divine wisdom appear in 
these things; in that such who are intended for high 
stations, have first been very low and dejected, that 
truth might be sealed on their hearts; and that the 
characters there imprinted by bitterness and adversi- 
ty, might in after years remain; suggesting compas- 
sionate ideas, and, in their prosperity, quickening their 
regard to those in the like condition. Which yet fur- 
ther appears in the case of Israel: they were well ac- 
quainted with grievous sufferings, a long and rigorous 
servitude; then through many notable events, were 
made chief amongst the nations: to them we find a 
repetition of precepts to the purpose above-said. — 
Though for ends agreeable to infinite wisdom they 
were chose as a peculiar people for a time; yet the 
Most High acquaints them, that his love is not con- 
fined, but extends to the stranger; and, to excite their 
compassion, reminds them of times past. "Ye were 
strangers in the land of Egypt." Deut. x. 19. Again, 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 205 

"Thou shalt not oppress a stranger, for ye know the 
heart of a stranger; seeing ye were strangers in the 
land of Egypt." Exod. xxiii. 9. 

If we call to mind our beginning, some of us may 
find a time, wherein our fathers were under afflictions, 
reproaches, and manifold sufferings. 

Respecting our progress in this land, the time is 
short since our beginning was small and our numbers 
few, compared with the native inhabitants. He that 
sleeps not by day nor by night, hath watched over us, 
and kept us as the apple of his eye. His Almighty 
arm hath been round about us, and saved us from 
dangers. 

The wilderness and solitary deserts in which our fa- 
thers passed the days of their pilgrimage, are now 
turned into pleasant fields; — the natives are gone from 
before us, and we established peaceably in the posses- 
sion of the land, enjoying our civil and religious liber- 
ties; — and, while many parts of the world have groan- 
ed under the heavy calamities of war, our habitation 
remains quiet, and our land fruitful. 

When we trace back the steps we have trodden, and 
see how the Lord hath opened a way in the wilderness 
for us, — to the wise it will easily appear, that all this 
was not done to be buried in oblivion; but to prepare 
a people for more fruitful returns: and the remem- 
brance thereof ought to humble us in prosperity, and 
excite in us a christian benevolence towards our in- 
feriors. 

If we do not consider these things aright, but, thro' 
a stupid indolence, conceive views of interest, sepa- 
rate from the general good of the great brotherhood; 
and, in pursuance thereof, treat our inferiors with ri- 
gour, to increase our wealth, and gain riches for our 
children; "what then shall we do when God riseth 
up? and when hevisiteth, what shall we answer him? 
Did not he that made us, make them? and did not one 
fashion us in the womb?" Job xxxi. 13, 14. 

To our great Master we stand or fall, to judge or 
condemn us as is most suitable to his wisdom or au- 
18 



206 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

thority. My inclination is to persuade, and entreat, 
and simply give hints of my way of thinking. 

If the christian religion be considered, both respect- 
ing its doctrines, and the happy influence which it hath 
on the minds and manners of all real christians, it looks 
reasonable to think that the miraculous manifestation 
thereof to the world, is a kindnessjbeyond expression. 

Are we the people thus favoured? Are we they 
whose minds are opened, influenced, and governed by 
the Spirit of Christ, and thereby made sons of God? 
Is it not a fair conclusion, that we, like our heavenly 
Father, ought in our degree to be active in the same 
great cause, of the eternal happiness of at least our 
whole families, and more, if thereto capacitated. 

If we, by the operation of the Spirit of Christ, be- 
come heirs with him in the kingdom of his Father, 
and are redeemed from the alluring counterfeit joys 
of this world, and the joy of Christ remains in us, — 
to suppose that one remaining in this happy condition, 
can, for the sake of earthly riches, not only deprive 
his fellow-creatures of the sweetness of freedom, 
(which, rightly used, is one of the greatest temporal 
blessings,) but therewith neglect using proper means 
for their acquaintance with the holy scriptures, and 
the advantage of true religion, — seems, at least, a con- 
tradiction to reason. 

Whoever rightly advocates the cause of some, there- 
by promotes the good of all. The state of mankind 
was harmonious in the beginning; and though sin hath 
introduced discord, yet through the wonderful love 
of God in Christ Jesus our Lord, the way is open for 
our redemption, and means are appointed to restore 
us to primitive harmony. That if one suffer by the 
unfaithfulness of another, the mind, the most noble 
part of him that occasions the discord, is thereby 
alienated from its true and real happiness. 

Our duty and interest are inseparably united; and 
when we neglect or misuse our talents, we necessarily 
depart from the heavenly fellowship, and are in the 
way to the greatest of evils. 



KEEPING OP NEGROES. 207 

Therefore to examine and prove ourselves, to find 
what harmony the power presiding in us bears with 
the Divine nature, is a duty not more incumbent and 
necessary, than it would be beneficial. 

in holy writ, the Divine Being saith of himself, "I 
am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judg- 
ment and righteousness in the earth; for in these 
things I delight, saith the Lord." Jer. ix. 24. Again, 
speaking in the way of man, to show his compassion 
to Israel whose wickedness had occasioned a calami- 
ty, and then being humbled under it, it is said, "His 
soul was grieved for their miseries." Judges x. 16. 
If we consider the life of the blessed Saviour when 
on earth, as it is recorded by his followers, we shall 
find that one uniform desire for the eternal and tem- 
poral good of mankind, discovered itself in all his 
actions. 

If we observe men, both apostles and others, in 
many different ages, who have really come to the 
unity of the Spirit and the fellowship of the saints, 
there still appears the like disposition; and in them 
the desire of the real happiness of mankind, has out- 
balanced the desire of ease, liberty, and many times 
life itself. 

If upon a true search, we find that our natures are 
so far renewed, that to exercise righteousness and 
loving-kindness (according to our ability) towards all 
men, without respect of persons, is easy to us, or is 
our delight; — if our love be so orderly and regular, 
that he who doeth the will of our Father who is in 
heaven, appears in our view to be our nearest rela- 
tion, our brother, and sister, and mother; — if this be 
our case, there is a good foundation to hope that the 
blessing of God will sweeten our treasures during our 
stay in this life, and our memory be savory, when we 
are entered into rest. 

To conclude. It is a truth most certain, that a life 
guided by the wisdom from above, agreeable with 
justice, equity, and mercy, is throughout consistent 
and amiable, and truly beneficial to society; the seren- 



208 CONSIDERATIONS. 

ity and calmness of mind in it, affords an unparalleled 
comfort in this life, and the end of it is blessed. 

And, no less true, that they who in the midst of 
high favours, remain ungrateful, and under all the ad- 
vantages that a christian can desire, are selfish, earth- 
ly, and sensual, do miss the true fountain of happiness, 
and wander in a maze of dark anxiety, where all their 
treasures are insufficient to quiet their minds. Hence, 
from an insatiable craving, they neglect doing good 
with what they have acquired, and too often add op- 
pression to vanity, that they may compass more. 

"Oh! that they were wise, that they understood 
this, that they would consider their latter end!" — 
Deut. xxxii. 29. 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON THE 

KEEPING OF NEGROES. 

Recommended to the Professors of Christianity of every 
Denomination. 

PART THE SECOND. 

First printed in the year 1762. 



Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the 
small as well as the great; ye shall not he afraid of the face of man; 
for the judgment is God's. — Deut. i. 17. 



PREFACE. 

All our actions are of like nature with their root; 
and the Most High weigheth them more skilfully 
than men can weigh them one for another. 

I believe that one Supreme Being made and sup- 
ports the world; nor can I worship any other deity 
without being an idolater, and guilty of wickedness. 

Many nations have believed in, and worshipped a 
plurality of deities; but I do not believe they were 
therefore all wicked. Idolatry indeed is wickedness; 
but it is the thing, not the name, which is so. Real 
idolatry is to pay that adoration to a creature, which 
is known to be due only to the true God. 

He who professeth to believe one Almighty Crea- 
tor, and in his son Jesus Christ, and is yet more in- 
tent on the honours, profits and friendships of the 
world, than he is in singleness of heart to stand faith- 
ful to the christian religion, is in the channel of idol- 
atry: while the Gentile, who, under some mistaken 
opinions, is notwithstanding established in the true 
principle of virtue, and humbly adores an Almighty 
18* 



210 PREFACE. 

power, may be of that number who fear God and 
work righteousness. 

I believe the bishop of Rome assumes a power that 
does not belong to any officer in the church of Christ; 
and if I should knowingly do any thing tending to 
strengthen him in that capacity, it would be great in- 
iquity. There are many thousands of people, who by 
their profession acknowledge him to be the represen- 
tative of Jesus Christ on earth: and to say that none 
of them are upright in heart, would be contrary to my 
sentiments. 

Men who sincerely apply their minds to true vir- 
tue, and find an inward support from above, by which 
all vicious inclinations are made subject; so that they 
love God sincerely, and prefer the real good of man- 
kind universally to their own private interest: though 
these, through the strength of education and tradition, 
may remain under some speculative and great errors, 
it would be uncharitable to say, that therefore God 
rejects them. — He who creates, supports, and gives 
understanding to all men, his knowledge and good- 
ness is superior to the various cases and circumstances 
of his creatures, which to us appear the most difficult. 

The apostles and primitive christians did not cen- 
sure all the Gentiles as wicked men. Rom. ii. 14. 
Col. iii. 11. But as they were favoured with a gift 
to discern things more clearly respecting the worship 
of the true God, they with much firmness declared 
against the worshipping of idols; and with true pa- 
tience endured many sufferings on that account. 

-Great numbers of faithful Protestants have contend- 
ed for the Truth, in opposition to papal errors; and 
with true fortitude laid down their lives in the con- 
flict, without saying, That no man was saved who 
made profession of that religion. 

While we have no right to keep men as servants 
for term of life, but that of superior power; to do this, 
with design by their labour to profit ourselves and our 
families, I believe is wrong: but I do not believe that 
all who have kept slaves, have therefore been charge- 



PREFACE. 211 

able with guilt. If their motives thereto were free 
from selfishness, and their slaves content, they were a 
sort of freemen; which I believe hath sometimes been 
the case. 

Whatever a man does in the spirit of charity, to 
him it is not sin: and while he lives and acts in this 
spirit, he learns all things essential to his happiness, 
as an individual: and if he doth not see that any in- 
jury or injustice to any other person, is necessarily 
promoted by any part of his form of government, I 
believe the merciful Judge will not lay iniquity to his 
charge. Yet others, who live in the same spirit of 
charity, from a clear convincement, may see the rela- 
tion of one thing to another, and the necessary ten- 
dency of each; and hence it may be absolutely bind- 
ing on them to desist from some parts of conduct, 
which some good men have been in. 



CONSIDERATIONS, &c. 



As some in most religious societies amongst the 
English are concerned in importing or purchasing the 
inhabitants of Africa as slaves; and as the professors 
of Christianity of several other nations do the like; 
these circumstances tend to make people less apt to 
examine the practice so closely as they would, if such 
a thing had not been, but was now proposed to be en- 
tered upon. It is, however, our duty, and what con- 
cerns us individually, as creatures accountable to our 
Creator, to employ rightly the understanding which 
he hath given us, in humbly endeavouring to be ac- 
quainted with his will concerning us, and with the 
nature and tendency of those things which we prac- 
tise. For, as justice remains to be justice; so, many 
people though of reputation in the world, joining 
with wrong things, do not excuse others in joining 
with them, nor make the consequence of their pro- 
ceedings less dreadful in the final issue, than it would 
be otherwise. 

Where unrighteousness is justified from one age to 
another, it is like dark matter gathering into clouds 
over us. We may know that this gloom will remain 
till the cause be removed by a reformation or change 
of times; and may feel a desire, from a love of equity, 
to speak on the occasion: yet where error is so strong 
that it may not be spoken against without some pros- 
pect of inconvenience to the speaker, this difficulty 
is likely to operate on our weakness, and quench the 
good desires in us; except we dwell so steadily under 
the weight of it, as to be made willing to "endure 
hardness" on that account. 

Where men exert their talents against vices, gene- 
rally accounted such, the ill effects whereof are pre- 



CONSIDERATIONS. 213 

sently perceived in a government, all men who regard 
their own temporal good, are likely to approve the 
work. But when that which is inconsistent with 
perfect equity, hath the law, or countenance of the 
great, in its favour; though the tendency thereof be 
quite contrary to the true happiness of mankind, in 
an equal, if not greater degree, than many things ac- 
counted reproachful to christians; yet, as these ill ef- 
fects are not generally perceived, they who labour to 
dissuade from such things, which people believe ac- 
cord with their interest, have many difficulties to 
encounter. 

The repeated charges which God gave to his pro- 
phets, imply the danger they were in of erring on 
this hand. "Be not afraid of their faces; for I am 
with thee, to deliver thee, saith the Lord." Jer. i. 8. 
" Speak all the words that I command thee to speak 
to them, diminish not a word." Jer. xxvi. 2. " And 
thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor dismay- 
ed at their looks. Speak my words to them, whether 
they will hear or forbear." Ezek. ii. 6, 7. 

Under an apprehension of duty, I offer some further 
considerations on this subject, having endeavoured 
some years to consider it candidly. I have observed 
people of our own colour, whose abilities have been 
inferior to the affairs which relate to their convenient 
subsistence, who have been taken care of by others, 
and the profit of such work as they could do, applied 
toward their support. I believe there are such amongst 
negroes; and that some people in whose hands they 
are, keep them with no view of outward profit, — do 
not consider them as black men, who, as such, ought 
to serve white men; but account them persons who 
have need of guardians, and as such take care of them. 
Yet where equal care is taken in all parts of education, 
I do not apprehend cases of this sort are likely to oc- 
cur more frequently amongst one sort of people than 
another. 



214 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

It looks to me that the slave trade was founded, and 
hath generally been carried on, in a wrong spirit; — 
that the effects of it are detrimental to the real pros- 
perity of our country; and will be more so, except we 
cease from the common motives of keeping them, and 
treat them in future agreeable to truth and pure justice. 

Negroes may be imported, who, for their cruelty 
to their countrymen, and the evil disposition of their 
minds, may be unfit to be at liberty; and if we, as 
lovers of righteousness, undertake the management of 
them, we should have a full and clear knowledge of 
their crimes, and of those circumstances which might 
operate in their favour; but the difficulty of obtaining 
this is so great, that we have great reason to be cau- 
tious therein. But, should it plainly appear that ab- 
solute subjection was a condition the most proper for 
the person who is purchased, yet the innocent children 
ought not to be made slaves, because their parents 
sinned. 

We have account in holy scripture of some families 
suffering, where mention is only made of the heads of 
the family committing wickedness: and it is likely 
that the degenerate Jews, misunderstanding some oc- 
currences of this kind, took occasion to charge God 
with being unequal; so that a saying became common; 
"The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the chil- 
dren's teeth are set on edge." Jeremiah and Ezekiel, 
two of the inspired prophets who lived near the same 
time, were concerned to correct this error. Ezekiel 
is large on the subject. First, he reproves them for 
their error. "What mean ye, that ye do so?" chap, 
xviii. verse 2. "As I live, saith the Lord God, ye 
shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb 
in Israel." The words, "any more," have reference 
to time past; intimating, that though they had not 
rightly understood some things they had heard or 
seen, and thence supposed the proverb to be well 
grounded; yet henceforth they might know of a cer- 
tainty, that the ways of God are all equal; that as sure 
as the Most High liveth, so sure men are only answer- 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 215 

able for their own sins. He thus sums up the matter, 
ver. 20, — "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The 
son shall not bear the iniquity of the father; neither 
shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. The 
righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him; and 
the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." 

Where men are wicked, they commonly are a 
means of corrupting the succeeding age; and thereby 
hasten those outward calamities, which fall on nations 
when their iniquities are full. 

Men may pursue means which are not agreeable to 
perfect purity, with a view to increase the wealth and 
happiness of their offspring; and thereby may make 
the way of virtue more difficult to them. And though 
the ill example of a parent, or a multitude, does not 
excuse a man in doing evil, yet the mind being early 
impressed with vicious notions and practices, and nur- 
tured up in ways of getting treasure, which are not 
the ways of Truth: this wrong spirit getting first pos- 
session, and being thus strengthened, frequently pre- 
vents due attention to the true spirit of wisdom, so 
that they exceed in wickedness those who lived be- 
fore them. And in this channel, though parents la- 
bour, as they think, to forward the happiness of their 
children, it proves a means of forwarding their cala- 
mity. This being the case, in the age next before 
the grievous calamity in the siege of Jerusalem, and 
carrying Judah captive to Babylon, they might say 
with propriety, This came upon us, because our fa- 
thers forsook God, and because we did worse than 
our fathers. See Jer. vii. 26. 

As the generation next before them inwardly turn- 
ed away from God, who yet waited to be gracious; 
and as they in that age continued in those things 
which necessarily separated from perfect goodness, 
growing more stubborn, till the judgments of God 
were poured out upon them; they might properly 
say, "Our fathers have sinned, and we have borne 
their iniquities." Lam. v. 7. And yet, wicked as 
their fathers were, had they not succeeded them in 



216 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

their wickedness, they had not borne their iniqui- 
ties. 

To suppose it right that an innocent man shall at 
this day be excluded from the common rules of jus- 
tice; — be deprived of that liberty which is the natu- 
ral right of human creatures; — and be a slave to others 
during life, on account of a sin committed by his im- 
mediate parents; or a sin committed by Ham, the son 
of Noah, — is a supposition too gross to be admitted 
into the mind of any person, who sincerely desires 
to be governed by solid principles. 

It is alleged in favour of the practice, that Joshua 
made slaves of the Gibeonites. 

What men do by the command of God, and what 
comes to pass as a consequence of their neglect, are 
different; such as the latter case now mentioned was. 
It was the express command of the Almighty to Israel, 
concerning the inhabitants of the promised land, "Thou 
shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods: 
They shall not dwell in thy land." Exod. xxiii. 32. 
Those Gibeonites came craftily, telling Joshua that 
they were come from a far country; — that their el- 
ders had sent them to make a league With the people 
of Israel; and as an evidence of their being foreigners, 
showed their old clothes, &c. " And the men took of 
their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of 
the Lord: and Joshua made peace with them, and 
made a league with them, to let them live; and the 
princes sware to them." Josh. ix. 14, 15. 

When the imposition was discovered, the congre- 
gation murmured against the princes: "But all the 
princes said to all the congregation, we have sworn 
to them by the Lord God of Israel; now therefore we 
may not touch them: we will even let them live, lest 
wrath be upon us; but let them be hewers of wood 
and drawers of water unto the congregation." 

Omitting to ask counsel, involved them in great 
difficulty. The Gibeonites were of those cities, of 
which the Lord had said, "Thou shalt save alive no- 
thing that breatheth;" and of the stock of the Hivites, 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 217 

concerning whom he commanded by name, "Thou 
shalt smite them, and utterly destroy them: Thou 
shalt make no covenant with them, nor show mercy 
unto them." Deut. vii. 1. Thus Joshua and the 
princes, not knowing them, had made a league with 
them to let them live; and in this strait they resolved 
to make them servants. Joshua and the princes sus- 
pected them to be deceivers: — "Peradventure you 
dwell amongst us; and how shall we make a league 
with you!" Which words show, that they remember- 
ed the command before-mentioned; and yet did not 
inquire at the mouth of the Lord, as Moses directed 
Joshua, when he gave him a charge respecting his 
duty as chief man among that people. Numb, xxvii. 
21. By this omission, things became so situated, that 
Joshua and the princes could not execute the judg- 
ments of God on them, without violating the oath 
which they had made. 

Moses did amiss at the waters of Meribah: and doubt- 
less he soon repented; for the Lord was with him. — 
And it is likely that Joshua was deeply humbled un- 
der a sense of his omission; for it appears that God 
continued him in his office, and spared the lives of 
those people, for the sake of the league and oath made 
in his name. 

The wickedness of these people was great, and 
they worthy to die, or perfect justice had not passed 
sentence of death upon them; and as their execution 
was prevented by this league and oath, they appear 
content to be servants: "As it seemeth good and right 
unto thee to do unto us, do." 

These criminals, instead of death, had the sentence 
of servitude pronounced on them in these words: — 
"Now therefore ye are cursed; and there shall none 
of you be freed from being bondmen, and hewers of 
wood and drawers of water for the house of my 
God." 

We find, Deut. xx. 10, that there were cities far 
distant from Canaan, against which Israel went to bat- 
tle; unto whom they were to proclaim peace; and if 
19 



21 S CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

the inhabitants made answer of peace and opened their 
gates, they were not to destroy them, but make them 
tributaries. 

The children of Israel were then the Lord's host, 
and executioners of his judgments on people harden- 
ed in wickedness. They were not to go to battle, but 
by his appointment. The men who were chief in his 
army, had their instructions from the Almighty ; some- 
times immediately, and sometimes by the ministry of 
angels. Of these, amongst others, were Moses, Joshua, 
Othniel, and Gideon. See Exod. iii. 2, and xviii. 19. 
Josh. v. 13. These people far off from Canaan, against 
whom Israel was sent to battle, were so corrupt that 
the Creator of the universe saw it good to change 
their situation: and in case of their opening their gates, 
and coming under tribute, this their subjection, tho' 
probably more mild than absolute slavery, was to last 
little or no longer than while Israel remained in the 
true spirit of government. 

It was pronounced by Moses the prophet, as a con- 
sequence of their wickedness, "The stranger that is 
within thee shall get above thee very high; and thou 
shalt come down very low: he shall be the head, and 
thou the tail." Deut. xxviii. 43, 44. 

This we find in some measure verified in their be- 
ing made tributaries to the Moabites, Midianites, Am- 
orites and Philistines. 

It is alleged in favour of the practice of slave keep- 
ing, that the Jews by their law made slaves of the 
heathen. Levit. xxv. 45. " Moreover, of the children 
of the strangers that do sojourn amongst you, of them 
shall ye buy, and of their children, which are with 
you, which they begat in your land: and they shall be 
your possession, and you shall take them as an inhe- 
ritance for your children after you, to inherit them as 
a possession; they shall be your bondmen for ever." 
It is difficult for us to have any certain knowledge of 
the mind of Moses, in regard to keeping slaves, any 
other way than by looking upon him as a true servant 
of God, whose mind and conduct were regulated by 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 219 

an inward principle of justice and equity. To admit 
a supposition that he in that case was drawn from per- 
fect equity by the alliance of outward kindred, would 
be to disown his authority. 

Abraham had servants born in his house, and bought 
with his money: And the Almighty said of Abraham, 
I know him, that he will order his house after him. 
Which implies that he was as a father, an instructor, 
and a good governor over his people. And Moses, 
considered as a man of God, must necessarily have 
had a prospect of some real advantage in the stran- 
gers and heathens being servants to the Israelites for 
a time. 

As mankind had received and established many 
erroneous opinions and hurtful customs, their living 
and conversing with the Jews, while the Jews stood 
faithful to their principles, might be helpful to remove 
those errors, and reform their manners. But for men, 
with private views, to assume an absolute power over 
the persons and properties of others; and continue it 
from age to age in the line of natural generation, with- 
out regard to the virtues and vices of their succes- 
sors; — as it is manifestly contrary to true universal 
love, and attended with great evils, there requires the 
clearest evidence to beget a belief in us, that Moses 
intended that the strangers should, as such, be slaves 
to the Jews. 

He directed them to buy strangers and sojourners. 
It appears that there were strangers in Israel who 
were free men. And considering with what tender- 
ness and humanity the Jews, by their law, were 
obliged to use their servants, and what care was to be 
taken to instruct them in the true religion, it is not 
unlikely that some strangers in poverty and distress 
were willing to enter into bonds to serve the Jews as 
long as they lived: and in such case the Jews, by their 
law, had a right to their service during life. 

When the awl was bored through the ear of the 
Hebrew servant, the text saith, "He shall serve for 
ever;" yet we do not suppose that by the word "for 



220 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

ever/' it was intended that none of his posterity 
should afterwards be free. When it is said in regard 
to the strangers which they bought, " they shall be 
your possession," it may be well understood to mean 
only the persons so purchased: all preceding relates 
to buying them; and what follows, to the continuance 
of their service. "You shall take them as an inherit- 
ance to your children after you; they shall be your 
bondmen forever." It may be well understood to 
stand limited to those they purchased. 

Moses, directing Aaron and his sons to wash their 
hands and feet, when they went into the tabernacle 
of the congregation, saith, "It shall be a statute for 
ever to them, even to him and his seed throughout all 
generations." And to express the continuance of the 
law, it was his common language, "It shall be a statute 
for ever throughout your generations." So that had 
he intended the posterity of the strangers so pur- 
chased to continue in slavery to the Jews, it looks 
likely that he would have used some terms clearly to 
express it. The Jews undoubtedly had slaves, whom 
they kept as such from one age to another: but that 
this was agreeable to the genuine design of their in- 
spired law-giver, is far from being a clear case. 

Making constructions of the law contrary to the 
true meaning of it, was common amongst that people. 
Samuel's sons took bribes, and perverted judgment. 
Isaiah complained that they justified the wicked for 
reward. Zephaniah, contemporary with Jeremiah, 
on account of the injustice of the civil magistrates, 
declared that those judges were evening wolves; and 
that the priests did violence to the law. 

Jeremiah acquaints us, that the priests cried peace, 
peace, when there was no peace; by which means the 
people grew bold in their wickedness; and having com- 
mitted abominations, were not ashamed: but, through 
wrong constructions of the law, they justified them- 
selves, and boastingly said, "We are wise; and the 
law of the Lord is with us." These corruptions con- 
tinued till the days of the Saviour, who told the Phari- 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 221 

sees, "You have made the commandment of God of 
none effect through your tradition." 

Thus it appears that they corrupted the law of Mo- 
ses; nor is it unlikely that among many others this 
was one; for oppressing the strangers was a heavy 
charge against the Jews, and very often strongly re- 
presented by the Lord's faithful prophets. 

That the liberty of man was, by the inspired law- 
giver, esteemed precious, appears in this;— that such 
who unjustly deprived men of it, were to be punish- 
ed in like manner as if they had murdered them. — 
"He that stealeth a man, and selleth him; or if he be 
found in his hand, shall surely be put to death." This 
part of the law was so considerable, that Paul, the 
learned Jew, giving a brief account of the uses of the 
law, adds this, "It was made for men-stealers." 1 Tim. 
i. 10. 

The great men amongst that people were exceed- 
ingly oppressive; and, it is likely, exerted their whole 
strength and influence to have the law construed to 
suit their turns. The honest servants of the Lord had 
heavy work with them in regard to their oppression; 
a few instances follow: "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, 
the God of Israel, amend your ways, and your doings; 
and I will cause you to dwell in this place. If you 
thoroughly execute judgment between a man and his 
neighbour; if you oppress not the stranger, the father- 
less and the widow; and shed not innocent blood in 
this place; neither walk after other gods to your hurt, 
then will I cause you to dwell in this place." Jer. vii. 
Again, a message was sent not only to the inferior 
ministers of justice, but also to the chief ruler. "Thus 
saith the Lord, go down to the house of the king of 
Judah, and speak there this word: execute ye judg- 
ment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of 
the hand of the oppressor; and do no wrong; do no 
violence to the stranger, the fatherless and the widow; 
neither shed innocent blood in this place." Then adds, 
that in so doing they should prosper; "but if ye will 
not hear these words, I swear by myself, saith the 
19* 



222 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

Lord, that this house shall become a desolation. " Jer. 
xxii. 

The king, the princes and rulers, were agreed in 
oppression before the Babylonish captivity: for, what- 
ever courts of justice were retained amongst them; or 
however they decided matters betwixt men of estates, 
it is plain that the cause of the poor was not judged 
in equity. 

It appears that the great men amongst the Jews 
were fully resolved to have slaves, even of their own 
brethren. Jer. xxxiv. Notwithstanding the promises 
and threatenings of the Lord, by the prophet, and their 
solemn covenant to set them free, confirmed by the 
imprecation of passing between the parts of a calf cut 
in twain; intimating, by that ceremony, that on breach 
of the covenant, it were just for their bodies to be so 
cut in pieces; — yet after all, they held fast to their old 
custom, and called home the servants whom they had 
set free. "And ye were now turned, and had done 
right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to 
his neighbour; and ye had made a covenant before me, 
in the house which is called by my name. But ye 
turned, and polluted my name, and caused every man 
his servant, whom he had set at liberty at their plea- 
sure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to 
be unto you for servants, and for handmaids. There- 
fore thus saith the Lord; ye have not hearkened unto 
me, in proclaiming liberty every one to his neighbour, 
and every one to his brother. Behold, I proclaim a 
liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the 
pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to 
be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. The 
men who transgressed my covenant which they made, 
and passed between the parts of the calf, I will give in- 
to the hands of their enemies, and their dead bodies 
shall be for meat unto the fowls of the heaven, and the 
beasts of the earth." 

Soon after this their city was taken and burnt; the 
king's sons and the princes slain; and the king, with 
the chief men of his kingdom, carried captive to Ba- 



KEEPING OP NEGROES. 223 

bylon. Ezekiel, prophesying the return of that peo- 
ple to their own land, directs, "Ye shall divide the 
land by lot, for an inheritance unto you, and to the 
strangers that sojourn amongst you; in what tribe the 
stranger sojourns, there shall ye give him his inher- 
itance, saith the Lord God." Nor is this particular 
direction, and the authority with which it is enforced, 
without a tacit implication, that their ancestors had 
erred in their conduct towards the stranger. 

Some who keep slaves, have doubted as to the 
equity of the practice; but as they knew men, noted 
for their piety, who were in it; this, they say, has 
made their minds easy. 

To lean on the example of men in doubtful cases, 
is difficult: for only admit, that those men were not 
faithful and upright to the highest degree, but that in 
some particular case they erred, and it may follow that 
this one case was the same, about which we are in 
doubt; and to quiet our minds by their example, may 
be dangerous to ourselves; and continuing in it, may 
prove a stumbling block to tender-minded people 
who succeed us, in like manner as their examples are 
to us. 

But, supposing charity was their only motive, and 
they not foreseeing the tendency of paying robbers for 
their booty, were not justly under the imputation of 
being partners with a thief, Prov. xxix. 24, but were 
really innocent in what they did, are we assured that 
we keep them with the same views they kept them? 
If we keep them from no other motive than a real 
sense of duty, and true charity governs us in all our 
proceedings toward them, we are so far safe: but if 
another spirit, which inclines our minds to the ways 
of this world, prevail upon us, and we are concerned 
for our own outward gain more than for their real 
happiness, it will avail us nothing that some good men 
have had the care and management of negroes. 

Since mankind spread upon the earth, many have 
been the revolutions attending the several families; 



224 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

and their customs and ways of life have been different 
from each other. This diversity of manners, though 
some are preferable to others, operates not in favour 
of any, so far as to justify them to do violence to in- 
nocent men; or to bring them from their own to an- 
other way of life. The mind, when moved by a prin- 
ciple of true love, may feel a warmth of gratitude to 
the universal Father, and a lively sympathy with those 
nations, where Divine light has been less manifest. 

This desire for their real good may beget a willing- 
ness to undergo hardships for their sakes, that the true 
knowledge of God may be spread amongst them. But 
to take them from their own land, with views of pro- 
fit to ourselves, by means inconsistent with pure jus- 
tice, is foreign to that principle which seeks the hap- 
piness of the whole creation. Forced subjection of 
innocent persons of full age, is inconsistent with right 
reason. On one side, the human mind is not natural- 
ly fortified with that firmness in wisdom and goodness 
necessary to an independent ruler; on the other side, 
to be subject to the uncontrollable will of a man, lia- 
ble to err, is most painful and afflicting to a conscien- 
tious creature. 

It is our happiness faithfully to serve the Divine 
Being, who made us. His perfection makes our ser- 
vice reasonable; but so long as men are biassed by 
narrow self-love, so long an absolute power over other 
men is unfit for them. 

Men, taking on them the government of others, 
may intend to govern reasonably, and to make their 
subjects more happy than they would be otherwise. 
But, as absolute command belongs only to him who 
is perfect, where frail men, in their own wills, assume 
such command, it hath a direct tendency to vitiate 
their minds, and make them more unfit for govern- 
ment. 

Placing on men the ignominious title, SLAVE, — 
dressing them in uncomely garments, — keeping them 
to servile labour, in which they are often dirty,— 
tends gradually to fix a notion in the mind, that they 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 225 

are a sort of people below us in nature, and leads us 
to consider them as such in all our conclusions about 
them. And, moreover, a person which in our esteem 
is mean and contemptible, if their language or beha- 
viour toward us is unseemly or disrespectful, it excites 
wrath more powerfully than the like conduct in one 
we accounted our equal or superior: and where this 
happens to be the case, it disqualifies for candid judg- 
ment; for it is unfit for a person to sit as judge in a 
case where his own personal resentments are stirred 
up: and, as members of society in a well framed gov- 
ernment, we are mutually dependent. Present inter- 
est incites to duty, and makes each man attentive to 
the convenience of others: but he whose will is a law 
to others, and can enforce obedience by punishment; 
he whose wants are supplied without feeling any ob- 
ligation to make equal returns to his benefactor, his 
irregular appetites find an open field for motion, and 
he is in danger of growing hard, and inattentive to 
their convenience who labour for his support; and so 
loses that disposition in which alone men are fit to 
govern. 

The English government hath been commended 
by candid foreigners for the disuse of racks and tor- 
tures, so much practised in some states; but this mul- 
tiplying slaves now leads to it. For, where people 
exact hard labour of others, without a suitable reward, 
and are resolved to continue in that way, severity to 
such who oppose them becomes the consequence: and 
several negro criminals, among the English in Ameri- 
ca, have been executed in a lingering, painful way, 
very terrifying to others. 

It is a happy case to set out right, and persevere in 
the same way. A wrong beginning leads into many 
difficulties; for, to support one evil another becomes 
customary: two produces more: and the further men 
proceed in this way, the greater their dangers, their 
doubts and fears; and the more painful and perplexing 
are their circumstances. So that such who are true 
friends to the real and lasting interest of our country, 



226 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

and candidly consider the tendency of things, cannot 
but feel some concern on this account. 

There is that superiority in men over the brute 
creatures, and some of them are so manifestly depen- 
dent on men for a living, that for them to serve us in 
moderation, so far as relates to the right use of things, 
looks consonant to the design of our Creator. 

There is nothing in their frame, nothing relative to 
the propagating their species, which argues the con- 
trary; but in men there is. The frame of men's bo- 
dies, and the disposition of their minds, are different. 
Some, who are tough and strong, and their minds ac- 
tive, choose ways of life requiring much labour to 
support them; others are soon weary. And though 
use makes labour more tolerable, yet some are less 
apt for toil than others, and their minds less spright- 
ly. These latter labouring for their subsistence, com- 
monly choose a life easy to support, being content 
with a little. When they are weary they may rest, — 
take the most advantageous part of the day for labour; 
and in all cases proportion one thing to another, so 
that their bodies be not oppressed. 

Now, while each is at liberty, the latter may be as 
happy, and live as comfortably as the former. But, 
where men of the first sort having the latter under 
absolute command, and not considering the odds in 
strength and firmness, do sometimes, in their eager 
pursuit, lay on burdens grievous to be borne; by de- 
grees grow rigorous; and, aspiring to greatness, they 
increase oppression, and the true order of kind Provi- 
dence is subverted. 

There are weaknesses sometimes attending us, 
which make little or no alteration in our counte- 
nances, nor much lessen our appetite for food, and yet 
so affect us, as to make labour very uneasy. In such 
case, masters, intent on putting forward business, and 
jealous of the sincerity of their slaves, may disbelieve 
what they say, and grievously afflict them. 

Action is necessary for all men, and our exhausting 
frame requires a support, which is the fruit of action. 



KEEPING OP NEGROES. 227 

The earth must be laboured to keep us alive. Labour 
is a proper part of our life; to make one answer the 
other in some useful motion, looks agreeable to the 
design of our Creator. Motion, rightly managed, 
tends to our satisfaction, health, and support. 

Those who quit all useful business, and live wholly 
on the labour of others, have their exercise to seek. 
Some such use less than their health requires; others 
choose that which, by the circumstances attending it, 
proves utterly reverse to true happiness. Thus, while 
some are divers ways distressed for want of an open 
channel of useful action, those who support them sigh 
and are exhausted in a stream too powerful for nature, 
spending their days with too little cessation from la- 
bour. 

Seed, sown with the tears of a confined oppressed 
people; — harvests cut down by an overborne discon- 
tented reaper, — makes bread less sweet to the taste of 
an honest man, than that which is the produce or jus: 
reward of such voluntary action, which is one proper 
part of the business of human creatures. 

Again, the weak state of the human species in bear- 
ing and bringing forth their young, and the helpless 
condition of their young beyond that of other crea- 
tures, clearly show that Perfect Goodness designs a 
tender care and regard should be exercised toward 
them; and that no imperfect, arbitrary power should 
prevent the cordial effects of that sympathy, which 
is in the minds of well-met pairs to each other, and 
toward their offspring. 

In our species, the mutual ties of affection are more 
rational and durable than in others below us; — the 
care and labour of raising our offspring, much greater. 
The satisfaction arising to us in their innocent com- 
pany, and in their advances from one rational im- 
provement to another, is considerable, when two are 
thus joined, and their affections sincere. It however 
happens among slaves, that they are often situate in 
different places; and their seeing each other depends 
on the will of men, liable to human passions, and a 



228 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

bias in judgment; who, with views of self-interest, 
may keep them apart more than is right. Being ab- 
sent from each other, and often with other company, 
there is a danger of their affections being alienated, 
jealousies arising, the happiness otherwise resulting 
from their offspring frustrated, and the comforts of 
marriage destroyed. These things being considered 
closely, as happening to a near friend, will appear to 
be hard and painful. 

He who reverently observes that goodness mani- 
fested by our gracious Creator toward the various 
species of beings in this world, will see, that in our 
frame and constitution is clearly shown, that innocent 
men, capable to manage for themselves, were not in- 
tended to be slaves. 

A person lately travelling amongst the negroes near 
Senegal, hath this remark; " Which way soever I turn- 
ed my eyes on this pleasant spot, I beheld a perfect 
image of pure nature; an agreeable solitude, bounded 
on every side by charming landscapes, — the rural si- 
tuation of cottages in the midst of trees, — the ease and 
indolence of the negroes, reclined under the shade of 
their spreading foliage; — the simplicity of their dress 
and manners; — the whole revived in my mind the 
idea of our first parents, and I seemed to contemplate 
the world in its primitive state." M. Adanson, 
page 55. 

Some negroes in these parts, who have had an 
agreeable education, have manifested a brightness of 
understanding equal to many of us. A remark of 
this kind we find in Bosman, page 328. "The ne- 
groes of Fida," saith he, "are so accurately quick in 
their merchandize accounts, that they easily reckon 
as justly and quickly in their heads only, as we with 
the assistance of pen and ink, though the sum amounts 
to several thousands." 

Through the force of long custom, it appears need- 
ful to speak in relation to colour. Suppose a white 
child, born of parents of the meanest sort, who died 
and left him an infant, falls into the hands of a person 



KEEPING OP NEGROES. 229 

who endeavours to keep him a slave; — some men 
would account him an unjust man in doing so, who 
yet appear easy while many black people, of honest 
lives and good abilities, are enslaved in a manner more 
shocking than the case here supposed. This is owing 
chiefly to the idea of slavery being connected with the 
black colour, and liberty with the white: and where 
false ideas are twisted into our minds, it is with diffi- 
culty we get fairly disentangled. 

A traveller in cloudy weather, misseth his way, — 
makes many turns while he is lost, — and still forms 
in his mind the bearing and situation of places; and 
though the ideas are wrong, they fix as fast as if they 
were right. Finding how things are, we see our mis- 
take; yet the force of reason, with repeated observa- 
tions on places and things, do not soon remove those 
false notions, so fastened upon us; but it will seem, in 
the imagination, as if the annual course of the sun was 
altered: and though, by recollection, we are assured it 
is not, yet those ideas do not suddenly leave us. 

Selfishness being indulged, clouds the understand- 
ing; and where selfish men, for a long time, proceed 
on their way without opposition, the deceivableness 
of unrighteousness gets so rooted in their intellects, 
that a candid examination of things relating to self- 
interest is prevented. And in this circumstance, some 
who would not agree to make a slave of a person 
whose colour is like their own, appear easy in mak- 
ing slaves of others of a different colour; though their 
understandings and morals are equal to the generality 
of men of their own colour. 

The colour of a man avails nothing in matters of 
right and equity. Consider colour in relation to trea- 
ties; by such, disputes betwixt nations are sometimes 
settled. And should the Father of us all so dispose 
things, that treaties with black men should sometimes 
be necessary, how then would it appear amongst the 
princes and ambassadors, to insist on the prerogative 
of the white colour? 
20 



230 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

Whence is it that men, who believe in a righteoifg 
omnipotent Being, to whom all nations stand equally 
related, and are equally accountable, — remain so easy 
in it; but for that the ideas of negroes and slaves are 
so interwoven in the mind, that they do not discuss 
this matter with that candour and freedom of thought, 
which the case justly calls for? 

To come at a right feeling of their condition, re- 
quires humble, serious thinking; for, in their present 
situation, they have but little to engage our natural 
affection in their favour. 

Had we a son or a daughter involved in the same 
case in which many of them are, it would alarm us, 
and make us feel their condition without seeking for 
it. The adversity of an intimate friend will incite 
our compassion, while others, equally good, in the 
like trouble, will but little affect us. 

Again, the man in worldly honour, whom we con- 
sider as our superior, treating us with kindness and 
generosity, begets a return of gratitude and friendship 
toward him. We may receive as great benefits from 
men a degree lower than ourselves, in the common 
way of reckoning, and feel ourselves less engaged in 
favour of them. Such is our condition by nature; 
and these things being narrowly watched and exam- 
ined, will be found to centre in self-love. 

The blacks seem far from being our kinsfolks; and 
did we find an agreeable disposition and sound under- 
standing in some of them, which appeared as a good 
foundation for a true friendship between us, the dis- 
grace arising from an open friendship with a person 
of so vile a stock, in the common esteem, would na- 
turally tend to hinder it. They have neither hon- 
ours, riches, outward magnificence nor power; — their 
dress coarse, and often ragged; — their employ drud- 
gery, and much in the dirt: — they have little or no- 
thing at command; but must wait upon and work for 
others to obtain the necessaries of life: so that, in their 
present situation, there is not much to engage the 






KEEPING OP NEGROES. 231 

friendship, or move the affection of selfish men. But 
such who live in the spirit of true charity, to sympa- 
thize with the afflicted in the lowest stations of life, 
is a thing familiar to them. 

Such is the kindness of our Creator, that people, 
applying their minds to sound wisdom, may, in gene- 
ral, with moderate exercise, live comfortably, where 
no misapplied power hinders it. We in these parts 
have cause gratefully to acknowledge it. But men 
leaving the true use of things, their lives are less calm, 
and have less of real happiness in them. 

Many are desirous of purchasing and keeping slaves, 
that they may live in some measure conformable to 
those customs of the times, which have in them a 
tincture of luxury. For when we, in the least de- 
gree, depart from that use of the creatures, for which 
the Creator of all things intended them, there luxury 
begins. 

And if we consider this way of life seriously, we 
shall see there is nothing in it sufficient to induce a 
wise man to choose it, before a plain, simple way of 
living. If we examine stately buildings and equipage, 
delicious food, superfine clothes, silks and linens; — if 
we consider the splendour of choice metal fastened 
upon raiment, and the most showy inventions of men; 
it will yet appear that the humble-minded man, who 
is contented with the true use of houses, food and 
garments, and cheerfully exerciseth himself agreeable 
to his station in civil society, to earn them, — acts more 
reasonably, and discovers more soundness of under- 
standing in his conduct, than such who lay heavy 
burdens on others to support themselves in a luxurious 
way of living. 

George Buchanan, in his History of Scotland, page 
62, tells of some ancient inhabitants of Britain, who 
were derived from a people that " had a way of mark- 
ing their bodies, as some said, with instruments of 
iron, with variety of pictures, and with animals of all 
shapes, and wear no garments, that they should not 
hide their pictures; and were therefore called Picts." 



232 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

Did we see those people shrink with pain, for a con- 
siderable time together, under the point or edge of 
this iron instrument, and their bodies all bloody with 
the operation; — did we see them sometimes naked, 
suffering with cold, and refuse to put on garments, 
that those imaginary ensigns of grandeur might not 
be concealed; — it is likely we should pity their folly 
and fondness for those things: but if we candidly 
compare their conduct, in that case, with some con- 
duct amongst ourselves, will it not appear that our 
folly is the greatest ? 

In true gospel simplicity, free from all wrong use 
of things, a spirit which breathes peace and good will 
is cherished: but when we aspire after imaginary 
grandeur, and apply to selfish means to attain our 
end, this desire, in its origin, is the same with the 
Picts in cutting figures on their bodies; but the evil 
consequences attending our proceedings are the 
greatest. 

A covetous mind, which seeks opportunity to exalt 
itself, is a great enemy to true harmony in a country. 
Envy and grudging usually accompany this disposi- 
tion, and it tends to stir up its likeness in others. — 
And where this disposition ariseth so high as to em- 
bolden us to look upon honest industrious men as our 
own property during life, and to keep them to hard 
labour to support us in those customs which have not 
their foundation in right reason, or to use any means 
of oppression; a haughty spirit is cherished on one 
side, and the desire of revenge frequently on the 
other, till the inhabitants of the land are ripe for great 
commotion and trouble. And thus luxury and oppres- 
sion have the seeds of war and desolation in them. 

Some Account of the Slave Trade, taken from the 
writings of persons who have been at the places 
where they are first purchased. 

Bosman on Guinea, who was a factor for the Dutch 
about sixteen years in that country, (page 339) thus 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 233 

remarks: "But since I have so often mentioned that 
commerce, I shall describe how it is managed by our 
factors. The first business of one of our factors, when 
he comes to Fida, is to satisfy the customs of the 
king, and the great men, which amounts to about one 
hundred pounds in Guinea value, as the goods must 
sell there. After which we have free license to trade, 
which is published throughout the whole land by the 
crier. And yet, before we can deal with any person, 
we are obliged to buy the king's whole stock of slaves 
at a set price; which is commonly one third or fourth 
higher than ordinary: after which, we have free leave 
to deal with all his subjects, of what rank soever. — 
But if there happen to be no stock of slaves, the fac- 
tor must resolve to run the risk of trusting the inha- 
bitants with goods to the value of one or two hundred 
slaves; which commodities they send into the inland 
country, in order to buy with them slaves at all mar- 
kets, and that sometimes two hundred miles deep in 
the country: for you ought to be informed that mar- 
kets of men are here kept in the same manner as 
those of beasts are with us. 

"Most of the slaves which are offered to us, are 
prisoners of war, which are sold by the victors as 
their booty. — When these slaves come to Fida, they 
are put in prisons all together; and when we treat 
concerning them, they are all brought out in a large 
plain, where, by our surgeons, whose province it is, 
they are thoroughly examined, even to the smallest 
member, and that naked, both men and women, with* 
out the least distinction or modesty. Those which are 
approved as good, are set on one side. The invalids 
and maimed being thrown out, the remainder are 
numbered, and it is entered who delivered them. — 
In the meanwhile, a burning iron, with the arms or 
name of the company, lies in the fire, with which 
ours are marked on the breast. This is done, that we 
may distinguish them from the slaves of the English, 
French, or others. When we have agreed with the 
owners of the slaves, they are returned to their pri- 
20* 



234 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

sons, where, from that time forward, they are kept at 
our charge; cost us two-pence a day a slave, which 
serves to subsist them, like our criminals, on bread 
and water: so that, to save charges, we send them on 
board our ships the first opportunity; before which 
their masters strip them of all they have on their 
backs, so that they come aboard stark naked, as well 
women as men; in which condition they are obliged 
to continue, if the master of the ship is not so chari- 
table (which he commonly is) as to bestow something 
on them, to cover their nakedness." 

Same author, page 310 — "The inhabitants of Popo, 
as well as those of Coto, depend on plunder and the 
slave trade, in both which they very much exceed the 
latter; for being endowed with more courage, they 
rob more successfully, and by that means increase 
their trade. Notwithstanding which, to freight a ves- 
sel with slaves, requires some months attendance. In 
the year 1697, in three days time I could get but 
three slaves; but they assured me, that if I would 
have patience for other three days only, they should 
be able to deliver one or two hundred." 

Bosman, page 440 — "We cast anchor at cape Mi- 
zurada, but not one negro coming on board, I went on 
shore; and being desirous to be informed why they 
did not come on board, was answered, That about two 
months before, the English had been there with two 
vessels, and had ravaged the country, destroyed ail 
their canoes, plundered their houses, and carried off 
some of their people for slaves; upon which the re- 
mainder fled to the inland country. They tell us 
they live in peace with all their neighbours, and have 
no notion of any other enemy than the English; of 
which nation they had taken some then; and publicly 
declared, that they would endeavour to get as many 
of them as the two mentioned ships had carried off of 
their natives. These unhappy English were in dan- 
ger of being sacrificed to the memory of their friends, 
which some of their nation carried off." 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 235 

Extracts from a Collection of Voyages. — Vol. I. 

The author, a popish missionary, speaking of his 
departing from the negro country to Brazil, saith, "I 
remember the duke of Bambay (a negro chief) one 
day sent me several blacks to be my slaves; which I 
would not accept of, but sent them back to him. I 
afterwards told him I came not into his country to 
make slaves; but rather to deliver those from the 
slavery of the devil, whom he kept in miserable thral- 
dom. The ship I went aboard was loaded with ele- 
phants teeth and slaves, to the number of six hundred 
and eighty men, women, and children. It was a piti- 
ful sight to behold how all these people were stowed. 
The men were standing in the hold, fastened one to 
another with stakes, for fear they should rise and kill 
the whites: the women were between the decks, and 
those that were with child in the great cabin: the chil- 
dren in the steerage, pressed together like herrings in 
a barrel; which caused an intolerable heat and stench." 
Page 507. 

"It is now time," saith the same author, "to speak 
of a brutish custom these people have amongst them 
in making slaves; which I take not to be lawful for 
any person of a good conscience to buy." 

He then describes how women betray men into 
slavery, and adds, "There are others going up into 
the inland country, and through pretence of jurisdic- 
tion, seize men upon any trifling offence, and sell them 
for slaves." Page 537. 

The author of this treatise, conversing with a per- 
son of good credit, was informed by him, that in his 
youth, while in England, he was minded to come to 
America, and happening on a vessel bound for Guinea, 
and from thence into America, he, with a view to see 
Africa, went on board her, and continued with them 
in their voyage, and so came into this country. — 
Among other circumstances, he related these: "They 
purchased on the coast about three hundred slaves; 
some of them he understood were captives of war; 



236 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

some stolen by other negroes privately. When they 
had got many slaves on board, but were still on that 
coast, a plot was laid by an old negro, notwithstand- 
ing the men had irons on their hands and feet, to kill 
the English and take the vessel: which being discov- 
ered, the man was hanged, and many of the slaves 
made to shoot at him as he hung up." 

" Another slave was charged with having a design 
to kill the English; and the captain spoke to him in 
relation to the charge brought against him, as he stood 
on deck; whereupon he immediately threw himself 
into the sea, and was drowned. " 

"Several negroes, confined on board, were, he said, 
so extremely uneasy with their condition, that after 
many endeavours used, they could never make them 
eat nor drink after they came in the vessel; but in a 
desperate resolution starved themselves to death, be- 
having toward the last like madmen." 

In Randall's Geography, printed 1744, we are in- 
formed, that in a time of full peace, nothing is more 
common than for the negroes of one nation to steal 
those of another, and sell them to the Europeans. — 
It is thought that the English transmit annually near 
fifty thousand of these unhappy creatures; and the 
other European nations together, about two hundred 
thousand more. 

It is through the goodness of God that the reforma- 
tion from gross idolatry and barbarity hath been thus 
far effected. If we consider our condition as christians, 
and the benefits we enjoy, and compare them with the 
condition of those people; and consider that our na- 
tion trading with them for their country produce, have 
had an opportunity of imparting useful instructions to 
them, and remember that but little pains have been 
taken therein, it must look like an indifference in us. 
But when we reflect on a custom the most shocking 
of any amongst them, and remember that, with a view 
to outward gain, we have joined as parties in it; that 
our concurrence with them in their barbarous pro- 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 237 

ceedings, has tended to harden them in cruelty, and 
been a means of increasing calamities in their coun- 
try, — we must own that herein we have acted con- 
trary to those worthies whose lives and substance 
were spent in propagating truth and righteousness 
amongst the heathen. 

When Saul, by the hand of Doeg, slew four score 
priests at once, he had a jealousy that one of them at 
least was confederate with David, whom he consider- 
ed as his enemy. Herod slaying all the male chil- 
dren in Bethlehem of two years old and under, was 
an act of uncommon cruelty; but he supposed there 
was a male child there, within that age, who was 
likely to be king of the Jews; and finding no way to 
destroy him but by destroying them all, thought this 
the most effectual means to secure the kingdom to his 
own family. 

When the sentence against the protestants of Ma- 
rindol, &c. in France, was put in execution, great 
numbers of people fled to the wilderness; amongst 
whom were ancient people, women great with child, 
and others with babes in their arms, who endured ca- 
lamities grievous to relate; and in the end some per- 
ished with hunger, and many were destroyed by fire 
and sword: but they had this objection against them, 
That they obstinately persisted in opposition to holy 
mother church, and being heretics, it was right to 
work their ruin and extirpation, and raze out their 
memory from among men. Fox's Acts and Monu- 
ments, page 646. 

In favour of those cruelties, every one had what 
they deemed a plea. These scenes of blood and cru- 
elty among the barbarous inhabitants of Guinea, are 
not less terrible than those now mentioned. They 
are continued from one age to another, and we make 
ourselves parties and fellow-helpers in them: nor do I 
see that we have any plea in our favour more plausi- 
ble than the plea of Saul, of Herod, or the French, in 
those slaughters. 



238 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

Many who are parties in this trade, by keeping 
slaves with views of self-interest, were they to go as 
soldiers in one of these inland expeditions to catch 
slaves, they must necessarily grow dissatisfied with 
such employ, or cease to profess their religious prin- 
ciples. And though the first and most striking part 
of the scene is done at a great distance, and by other 
hands, yet every one who is acquainted with the cir- 
cumstances, and notwithstanding joins in it for the 
sake of gain only, must, in the nature of things, be 
chargeable with the others. 

Should we consider ourselves present as spectators, 
when cruel negroes privately catch innocent children 
who are employed in the fields; and hear their lamen- 
table cries, under the most terrifying apprehensions; — 
or should we look upon it as happening in our own 
families, having our children carried off by savages, — 
we must needs own, that such proceedings are contra- 
ry to the nature of Christianity. Should we meditate 
on the wars which are greatly increased by this trade, 
and on that affliction which many thousands live in, 
through apprehensions of being taken or slain; — on 
the terror and amazement that villages are in, when 
surrounded by these troops of enterprisers; — on the 
great pain and misery of groaning, dying men, who 
get wounded in those skirmishes; — we shall necessa- 
rily see that it is impossible to be parties in such a 
trade, on the motives of gain, and retain our inno- 
cence. 

Should we consider the case of multitudes of those 
people, who in a fruitful soil, and hot climate, with a 
little labour, raise grain, roots and pulse to eat; spin 
and weave cotton, and fasten together the large fea- 
thers of fowls, to cover their nakedness; many of 
whom, in much simplicity, live inoffensively in their 
cottages, and take great comfort in raising up chil- 
dren. 

Should we contemplate on their circumstances, 
when suddenly attacked, and labour to understand 



KEEPING OP NEGROES. 239 

their inexpressible anguish of soul who survive the 
conflict; — should we think on inoffensive women, who 
fled at the alarm, and at their return saw that village 
in which they and their acquaintance were raised up, 
and had pleasantly spent their youthful days, now 
lying in a gloomy desolation; some shocked at find- 
ing the mangled bodies of their near friends amongst 
the slain; others bemoaning the absence of a brother, 
a sister, a child, or a whole family of children, who, 
by cruel men, are bound and carried to market to be 
sold, without the least hopes of seeing them again: — 
add to this, the afflicted condition of these poor cap- 
tives, w T ho are separated from family connexions, and 
all the comforts arising from friendship and acquain- 
tance; — carried amongst a people of a strange lan- 
guage, to be parted from their fellow-captives, — put 
to labour in a manner more servile and wearisome 
than what they were used to, with many sorrowful 
circumstances attending their slavery; — and we must 
necessarily see that it belongs not to the followers of 
Christ to be parties in such a trade, on the motives of 
outward gain. 

Though there were wars and desolation among the 
negroes, before the Europeans began to trade there 
for slaves; yet now the calamities are greatly increas- 
ed; so many thousands being annually brought from 
thence: and we, by purchasing them, with views of 
self-interest, are become parties with them, and ac- 
cessary to that increase. 

In this case, we are not joining against an enemy 
who is fomenting discords on our continent, and 
using all possible means to make slaves of us and our 
children; but against a people who have not injured 
us. 

If those who were spoiled and wronged, should at 
length make slaves of their oppressors, and continue 
slavery to their posterity, it would look rigorous to 
candid men. But to act that part toward a people, 
when neither they nor their fathers have injured us, 



240 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

hath something in it extraordinary, and requires our 
serious attention. 

Our children breaking a bone; — getting so bruised, 
that a leg or an arm must be taken off; — lost for a few 
hours, so that we despair of their being found again; — 
a friend hurt, so that he dieth in a day or two; — these 
things move us with grief. And did we attend to 
these scenes in Africa, in like manner as if they were 
transacted in our presence; — and sympathize with the 
negroes, in all their afflictions and miseries, as we do 
with our children or friends; — we should be more 
careful to do nothing in any degree helping forward 
a trade productive of so many, and so great calami- 
ties. Great distance makes nothing in our favour. — 
To willingly join with unrighteousness, to the injury 
of men who live some thousand miles off, is the same 
in substance, as joining with it to the injury of our 
neighbours. 

In the eye of pure justice, actions are regarded ac- 
cording to the spirit and disposition they arise from. 
Some evils are accounted scandalous; and the desire 
of reputation may keep selfish men from appearing 
openly in them: but he who is shy on that account, 
and yet by indirect means promotes that evil and 
shares in the profit of it, cannot be innocent. 

He who, with a view to self-interest, buys a slave, 
made so by violence, and only on the strength of such 
purchase holds him a slave, thereby joins hands with 
those who committed that violence, and in the na- 
ture of things becomes chargeable with the guilt. 

Suppose a man wants a slave, and being in Guinea, 
goes and hides by the path where boys pass from one 
little town to another, and there catches one the day 
he expects to sail; and taking him on board, brings 
him home, without any aggravating circumstances. 
Suppose another buys a man, taken by them who live 
by plunder and the slave trade: they often steal them 
privately, and often shed much blood in getting 
them: — He who buys the slaves thus taken, pays 



KEEPING OP NEGROES. 241 

those men for their wickedness, and makes himself 
party with them. 

Whatever nicety of distinction there may be, be- 
twixt going in person on expeditions to catch slaves, 
and buying those, with a view to self-interest, which 
others have taken; it is clear and plain to an upright 
mind, that such distinction is in words, not in sub- 
stance; for the parties are concerned in the same work, 
and have a necessary connection with, and dependence 
on, each other. For, were there none to purchase 
slaves, they who live by stealing and selling them, 
would of consequence do less at it. 

Some would buy a negro brought from Guinea, 
with a view to self-interest, and keep him a slave, 
who yet would seem to scruple to take arms, and join 
with men employed in taking slaves. 

Others have civil negroes, who were born in our 
country, capable and likely to manage well for them- 
selves; whom they keep as slaves, without ever try- 
ing them with freedom, and take the profit of their 
labour as a part of their estates; and yet disapprove 
bringing them from their own country. 

If those negroes had come here, as merchants, with 
their ivory and gold dust, in order to trade with us, 
and some powerful person had took their effects to 
himself, and then put them to hard labour, and ever 
after considered them as slaves, the action would be 
looked upon as unrighteous. 

Those negro merchants having children after their 
being among us, whose endowments and conduct 
were like other people's in common; — if, on their at- 
taining to mature age, and requesting to have their 
liberty, they should be told they were born in slave- 
ry, and were lawful slaves, and therefore their re- 
quest should be denied; — such conduct toward them, 
would be looked upon as unfair and oppressive. 

In the present case, relating to home-born negroes 

whose understandings and behaviour are as good as 

common among other people, if we have any claim 

to them as slaves, that claim is grounded on their h'e- 

21 



242 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

ing the children or offspring of slaves, who, in gen- 
eral, were made such through means as unrighteous, 
and attended with more terrible circumstances than 
the case last supposed. So that when we trace our 
claim to the bottom, these home-born negroes having 
paid for their education, and given reasonable security 
to those who owned them, in case of their becoming 
chargeable, we have no more equitable right to their 
service, than we should if they were the children of 
honest merchants who came from Guinea in an En- 
glish vessel to trade with us. 

If we claim any right to them as the children of 
slaves, we build on the foundation laid by them 
who made slaves of their ancestors; so that of neces- 
sity we must either justify the trade, or relinquish 
our right to them as being the children of slaves. 

Why should it seem right to honest men to make 
advantage by these people, more than by others? — 
Others enjoy freedom, receive wages equal to their 
work, at or near such time as they have discharged 
these equitable obligations they are under to those 
who educated them. These have made no contract 
to serve; been no more expensive in raising up than 
others, and many of them appear as likely to make 
a right use of freedom as other people: which way 
then can an honest man withhold from them that lib- 
erty, which is the free gift of the Most High to his 
rational creatures? 

The upright in heart cannot succeed the wicked in 
their wickedness; nor is it consonant to the life they 
live, to hold fast.an advantage unjustly gained. 

The negroes who live by plunder and the slave 
trade, steal poor innocent children, invade their neigh- 
bours' territories, and spill much blood to get these 
slaves. And can it be possible for an honest man to 
think that, with a view to self-interest, we may con- 
tinue slavery to the offspring of these unhappy suffer- 
ers, merely because they are the children of slaves, 
and not have a share of this guilt? 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 243 

It is granted by many, that the means used in get- 
ting them are unrighteous, and that buying them, 
when brought here, is wrong; yet as setting them 
free is attended with some difficulty, they do not 
comply with it; but seem to be of the opinion, that 
to give them food and raiment, and keep them ser- 
vants, without any other wages, is the best way to 
manage them that they know of: and hoping that 
their children after them will not be cruel to the ne- 
groes, conclude to leave them as slaves to their chil- 
dren. 

While present outward interest is the chief object 
of our attention, we shall feel many objections in our 
minds against renouncing our claim to them, as the 
children of slaves: for, being prepossessed with wrong 
opinions, prevents our seeing things clearly, which to 
indifferent persons, are easy to be seen. 

Suppose a person seventy years past, in low cir- 
cumstances, bought a negro man and woman; and 
that the children of such person are now wealthy, 
and have the children of such slaves. Admit that 
the first negro man and his wife did as much business 
as their master and mistress, and that the children of 
the slaves have done some more than their young 
masters. Suppose, on the whole, that the expense of 
living has been less on the negro's side, than on the 
other, (all which are no improbable suppositions) it 
follows, that in equity these negroes have a right to 
a part of this increase; that should some difficulties 
arise on their being set free, there is reason for us 
patiently to labour through them. 

As the conduct of men varies, relating to civil so- 
ciety; so different treatment is justly due to them. — - 
Indiscreet men occasion trouble in the world; and it 
remains to be the care of such who seek the good of 
mankind, to admonish as they find occasion. 

The slothfulness of some of them, in providing for 
themselves and families, it is likely, would require 
the notice of their neighbours; nor is it unlikely that 
some would, with justice, be made servants, and 



244 CONSIDERATIONS ON THE 

others punished for their crimes. Pure justice points 
out to each individual their due. But to deny a peo- 
ple the privilege of human creatures, on a supposition 
that, being free, many of them would be troublesome 
to us, is to mix the condition of good and bad men 
together, and treat the whole as the worst of them 
deserve. 

If we seriously consider that liberty is the right of 
innocent men; — that the mighty God is a refuge for 
the oppressed; — that in reality we are indebted to 
them; — that they being set free, are still liable to the 
penalties of our laws, and as likely to have punish- 
ment for their crimes as other people: this may an- 
swer all our objections. And to retain them in per- 
petual servitude, without just cause for it, will pro- 
duce effects, in the event, more grievous than setting 
them free would do, when a real love to truth and 
equity was the motive to it. 

Our authority over them stands originally in a pur- 
chase made from those who, as to the general, obtain- 
ed theirs by unrighteousness. Whenever we have 
recourse to such authority, it tends more or less to 
obstruct the channels through which the perfect plant 
in us receives nourishment. 

There is a principle which is pure, placed in the 
human mind, which in different places and ages hath 
had different names: it is, however, pure, and pro- 
ceeds from God. It is deep, and inward, confined 
to no forms of religion, nor excluded from any, where 
the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever 
this takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they 
become brethren, in the best sense of the expression. 
Using ourselves to take ways which appear most easy 
to us, when inconsistent with that purity which is 
without beginning, we thereby set up a government 
of our own, and deny obedience to Him whose ser- 
vice is true liberty. 

He that hath a servant, made so wrongfully, and 
knows it to be so, when he treats him otherwise than 
a free man, when he reaps the benefit of his labour, 



KEEPING OF NEGROES. 245 

without paying him sueh wages as are reasonably due 
to free men for the like service, clothes excepted; 
these things, though done in calmness, without any 
show of disorder, do yet deprave the mind in like 
manner, and with as great certainty, as prevailing 
cold congeals water. These steps taken by masters, 
and their conduct striking the minds of their children, 
whilst young, leave less room for that which is good 
to work upon them. The customs of their parents, 
their neighbours, and the people with whom they 
converse, working upon their minds; and they, from 
thence, conceiving ideas of things, and modes of con- 
duct, the entrance into their hearts becomes, in a great 
measure, shut up against the gentle movings of uncrea- 
ted purity. 

From one age to another, the gloom grows thicker 
and darker, till error gets established by general opi- 
nion: so that whoever attends to perfect goodness, and 
remains under the melting influence of it, finds a path 
unknown to many, and sees the necessity to lean up- 
on the arm of Divine strength, and dwell alone, or 
with a few, in the right, committing their cause to 
Him who is a refuge for his people in all their trou- 
bles. 

Where, through the agreement of a multitude, some 
channels of justice are stopped, and men may support 
their characters as just men, by being just to a party, 
there is great danger of contracting an alliance with 
that spirit which stands in opposition to the God of 
l©ve, and spreads discord, trouble, and vexation among 
such who give up to the influence of it. 

Negroes are our fellow-creatures, and their present 
condition amongst us requires our serious considera- 
tion. We know not the time when those scales in 
which mountains are weighed, may turn. The Pa- 
rent of mankind is gracious; his care is over his small- 
est creatures; and a multitude of men escape not his 
notice. And though many of them are trodden down, 
and despised, yet he remembers them. He seeth their 
affliction, and looketh upon the spreading, increasing 
21* 



246 CONSIDERATIONS. 

exaltation of the oppressor. He turns the channels 
of power, humbles the most haughty people, and gives 
deliverance to the oppressed, at such periods as are 
consistent with his infinite justice and goodness. And 
wherever gain is preferred to equity, and wrong things 
publicly encouraged, to that degree that wickedness 
takes root, and spreads wide amongst the inhabitants 
of a country, there is real cause for sorrow to all such 
whose love to mankind stands on a true principle, and 
who wisely consider the end and event of things. 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON- 
PURE WISDOM AND HUMAN POLICY; 

ON LABOUR; ON SCHOOLS; 

AND ON THE RIGHT USE OF 

THE LORD'S OUTWARD GIFTS. 

First printed in the year 1768. 

The wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, 
and easy to be entreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, without par- 
tiality, and without hypocrisy. — James iii. 17. 

INTRODUCTION. 

My mind hath often been affected with sorrow, on 
account of the prevailing of that spirit, which leads 
from an humble waiting on the inward teaching of 
Christ, to pursue ways of living, attended with unne- 
cessary labour; and which draws forth the minds of 
many people to seek after outward power, and to 
strive for riches, which frequently introduce oppres- 
sion, and bring forth wars and grievous calamities. 

It is with reverence that I acknowledge the mercies 
of our heavenly Father, who, in infinite love, did visit 
me in my youth, and wrought a belief in me, that 
through true obedience a state of inward purity may 
be known in this life; in which we may love mankind 
in the same love with which our Redeemer loveth us, 
and therein learn resignation to endure hardships, for 
the real good of others. 

"While the eye is single, the whole body is full of 
light." Mat. vi. 22. But for want of this, selfish de- 
sires, and an imaginary superiority, darken the mind: 
hence injustice frequently proceeds; and where this is 



248 INTRODUCTION. 

the case, to convince the judgment, is the most effec- 
tual remedy. 

Where violent measures are pursued in opposing 
injustice, the passions and resentments of the injured, 
frequently operate in the prosecution of their designs: 
and after conflicts productive of very great calamities, 
the minds of contending parties often remain as little 
acquainted with the pure principle of Divine love, as 
they were before. But where people walk in that 
pure light in which all their " works are wrought in 
God;" and under oppression persevere in the meek 
spirit, and abide firm in the cause of Truth, without 
actively complying with oppressive demands; — thro' 
those the Lord hath often manifested his power, in 
opening the understandings of others, to the promo- 
ting of righteousness in the earth. 

A time, I believe, is coming, wherein this Divine 
work will so spread and prevail, that " nation shall 
not lift up sword against nation, nor learn war any 
more." Isaiah ii. 4. And as we, through the tender 
mercies of God, do feel that this precious work is be- 
gun, I am concerned to encourage my brethren and 
sisters in a holy care and diligence, that each of us 
may so live, under the sanctifying power of Truth, as 
to be redeemed from all unnecessary cares; that our 
eye being single to him, no customs, however preva- 
lent, which are contrary to the wisdom from above, 
may hinder us from faithfully following his holy lead- 
ings, in whatsoever he may graciously appoint for us. 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON 

PURE WISDOM AND HUMAN POLICY. 



To have our trust settled in the Lord, and not to 
seek after, nor desire outward treasures, any further 
than his holy spirit leads us therein, is a happy state; 
as saith the prophet, "Blessed is the man that trusteth 
in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." 

Pure wisdom leads people into lowliness of mind, 
in which they learn resignation to the Divine will, 
and contentment in suffering for his cause, when they 
cannot keep a clear conscience without suffering. 

In this pure wisdom the mind is attentive to the 
root and original spring of motions and desires; and 
as we know "the Lord to be our refuge," and find no 
safety, but in humbly walking before him, we feel an 
holy engagement, that every desire which leads there- 
from may be brought to judgment. 

While we proceed in this precious way, and find ar- 
dent longings for a full deliverance from every thing 
which defiles, all prospects of gain that are not con- 
sistent with the wisdom from above, are considered 
as snares; and an inward concern is felt, that we may 
live under the cross, and faithfully attend to that holy 
spirit which is sufficient to preserve out of them. 

When I have considered that saying of Christ, 
Mat. vi. 19, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures 
upon earth/' the omnipotence of God hath often oc- 
curred to my mind. 

While we believe that he is every where present 
with his people, and that perfect goodness, wisdom 
and power, are united in him, how comfortable is the 
consideration? 



250 



ON PURE WISDOM 



Our wants may be great, but his power is greater. 
We may be oppressed and despised, but he is able to 
turn our patient sufferings into profit to ourselves, and 
to the advancement of his work on earth. His peo- 
ple, who feel the power of his cross, to crucify all that 
is selfish in them, who are engaged in outward con- 
cerns from a convincement that it is their duty, and 
resign themselves and their treasures to him; these 
feel that it is dangerous to give way to that in us 
which craves riches and greatness in this world. 

As the heart truly contrite, earnestly desires "to 
know Christ, and the fellowship of his sufferings," 
Phil. iii. 10, so far as the Lord for gracious ends may 
lead into them; — as such feel that it is their interest 
to put their trust in God, and to seek no gain but that 
which he, by his holy spirit, leads into; so, on the con- 
trary, they who do not reverently wait for this Di- 
vine teacher, and are not humbly concerned, accord- 
ing to their measure, "to fill up that which is behind 
of the afflictions of Christ," Col. i. 24, in patiently 
suffering for the promoting of righteousness in the 
earth; but have an eye toward the power of men and 
the outward advantage of wealth; — these are often at- 
tentive to those employments which appear profitable, 
even though the gains arise from such trade and busi- 
ness as proceeds from the workings of that spirit, 
which is estranged from the self-denying life of an 
humble contrite christian. 

While I write on this subject, I feel my mind ten- 
derly affected toward those honestly disposed people, 
who have been brought up in employments attended 
with those difficulties. 

To such I may say, in the feeling of our heavenly 
Father's love, and number myself with you, Oh! that 
our eyes may be single to the Lord! May we re- 
verently wait on him for strength to lay aside all un- 
necessary expense of every kind, and learn content- 
ment in a plain simple life. May we, in lowliness, 
submit to the leadings of his spirit, and enter upon 
any outward employ which he graciously points out 



AND HUMAN POLICY. 251 

to us; and then, whatever difficulties arise in conse- 
quence of our faithfulness, I trust they will work for 
our good. 

Small treasure to a resigned mind is sufficient. — 
How happy is it to be content with a little, — to live 
in humility, and feel that in us, which breathes out 
this language, Abba, Father! 

If that, called the wisdom of this world, had no re- 
semblance of true wisdom, the name of wisdom, I 
suppose, had not been given to it. 

As wasting outward substance to gratify vain de- 
sires, on one hand; so slothfulness and neglect, on the 
other, do often involve men and their families in 
trouble, and reduce them to want and distress: to 
shun both these opposite vices, is good in itself, and 
hath a resemblance of wisdom. But while people, 
thus provident, have it principally in view to get 
riches, and power, and the friendship of this world, 
and do not humbly wait for the spirit of Truth to 
lead them in purity; — these, through an anxious care 
to obtain the end desired, reach forth for gain in 
worldly wisdom, and, in regard to their inward state, 
fall into divers temptations and snares. And though 
such may think of applying wealth to good purposes, 
and to use their power to prevent oppression; yet, 
wealth and power are often applied otherwise, nor 
can we depart from the leadings of our holy Shep^ 
herd, without going into confusion. 

Great wealth is frequently attended with power, 
which nothing but Divine love can qualify the mind 
to use rightly: and as to the humility and uprightness 
of our children after us, how great is the uncertainty! 
If, in acquiring wealth, we take hold on the wisdom 
which is from beneath, and depart from the leadings 
of Truth, and example our children herein, we have 
great cause to apprehend that wealth may be a snare 
to them; and prove an injury to others over whom 
their wealth may give them power. *~,^. 

To be redeemed from that wisdom which is from 
beneath, and walk in the light of the Lord, is a pre- 



252 ON LABOUR. 

cious situation. Thus his people are brought to put 
their trust in him; and in this humble confidence in 
his wisdom, goodness and power, the righteous find a 
refuge in adversities, superior to the greatest outward 
helps, and a comfort more certain than any worldly 
advantages can afford. 



ON LABOUR. 

Having, from my childhood, been used to bodily 
labour for a living, I may express my experience 
therein. 

Right exercise affords an innocent pleasure in the 
time of it, and prepares us to enjoy the sweetness of 
rest; but from the extremes each way, arise inconve- 
niences. 

Moderate exercise opens the pores, gives the blood 
a lively circulation, and the better enables us to judge 
rightly respecting that portion of labour which is the 
true medium. 

"The fowls of the air sow not, nor gather into 
barns, yet our heavenly Father feedeth them." Mat. 
vi. 26. Nor do I believe that infinite Goodness and 
Power would have allotted labour to us, had he not 
seen that labour was proper for us in this life. 

The original design and true medium of labour, is 
a subject that to me appears worthy of our serious 
consideration. 

Idle men are often a burden to themselves, neglect 
the duty they owe to their families, and become bur- 
densome to others also. 

As outward labour, directed by the wisdom from 
above, tends to our health, and adds to our happiness 
in this life; so, on the contrary, entering upon it in a 
selfish spirit, and pursuing it too long, or too hard, 
hath a contrary effect. 



ON LABOUR. 253 

I have observed that too much labour not only 
makes the understanding dull, but so intrudes upon 
the harmony of the body, that after ceasing from our 
toil, we have another to pass through, before we can 
be so composed as to enjoy the sweetness of rest. 

From too much labour in the heat, frequently pro- 
ceed immoderate sweats; which do often, I believe, 
open the way for disorders, and impair our constitu- 
tions. 

When we go beyond the true medium, and feel 
weariness approaching, but think business may suffer , 
if we cease; at such a time, spirituous liquors are fre- 
quently taken, with a view to support nature under 
these fatigues. m 

I have found that too much labour in the summer 
heats the blood, — that taking strong drink to support 
the body under such labour, increaseth that heat; and 
though a person may be so far temperate as not to 
manifest the least disorder, yet the mind, in such a 
circumstance, doth not retain that calmness and se- 
renity which we should endeavour to live in. 

Thus toiling in the heat, and drinking strong li- 
quor, makes men more resolute and less considerate, 
and tends very much to disqualify from successfully 
following Him who is meek and low of heart. 

As laying out business more than is consistent with 
pure wisdom, is an evil; so this evil frequently leads 
into more. Too much business leads to hurry. In the 
hurry and toil, too much strong drink is often used; 
and hereby many proceed to noise and wantonness, 
and some, though more considerate, do often suffer 
loss as to a true composedness of mind. 

I feel sincere desires in my heart, that no rent nor 
interest might be laid so high as to be a snare to te- 
nants; — that no desires of gain may draw any too far 
in business; — that no cares to support customs which 
have not their foundation in pure wisdom, may have 
place in our minds; but that we may build on the sure 
foundation, and feel our holy Shepherd to lead us, who 
22 



254 ON LABOUR. 

alone is able to preserve us, and bring forth from eve- 
ry thing which defiles. 

Having several times, in my travels, had opportu- 
nity to observe the labour and manner of life of great 
numbers of slaves, it appears to me that the true me- 
dium is lamentably neglected by many who assign 
them their portion of labour. 

Without saying much at this time, concerning buy- 
ing and selling men for term of life, who have as just 
a right to liberty as we have; nor about the great 
miseries and effusion of blood, consequent on promo- 
ting the slave trade; and to speak as favourably as 
may be, with regard to continuing those in bondage 
who are amongst us, — we cannot say there is no par- 
tiality in it. For, whatever tenderness may be mani- 
fested by individuals in their lifetime toward them, 
yet for people to be transmitted from a man to his 
posterity in the helpless condition of slaves, appears 
inconsistent with the nature of the gospel spirit. From 
such proceedings it often follows, that persons in the 
decline of life are deprived of monies equitably due 
to them, and committed to the care, and subjected to 
the absolute power of young, unexperienced men, who 
know but little about the weakness of old age, nor 
understand the language of declining life. 

Where parents give their estates to their children, 
and then depend on them for a maintenance; they 
sometimes meet with great inconveniences; but if the 
power of possession, thus obtained, doth often reverse 
the obligations of gratitude and filial duty, and makes 
manifest that youth are often ignorant of the language 
of old age, how hard is the case of ancient negroes, 
who, deprived of the wages equitably due to them, 
are left to young people who have been used to look 
upon them as their inferiors. 

For men to behold the fruits of their labour with- 
held from them, and possessed by others, and in old 
age find themselves destitute of those comfortable 
accommodations, and that tender regard which their 
time of life requires: 



ON SCHOOLS. 255 

When they feel pains, and stiffness in their joints 
and limbs, weakness of appetite, and that a little la- 
bour is wearisome; and still behold themselves in the 
neglected, uncomfortable condition of a slave, and of- 
tentimes to a young unsympathizing man: 

For men to be thus treated from one generation to 
another, who, besides their own distresses, think on 
the slavery entailed on their posterity, and are griev- 
ed: — what disagreeable thoughts must they have of 
the professed followers of Jesus! and how must their 
groans ascend to that Almighty Being, who "will be 
a refuge for the oppressed." Psalm ix. 9. 



ON SCHOOLS. 

"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for 
of such is the kingdom of God." Markx. 14. 

To encourage children to do things with a view to 
get praise of men, to me appears an obstruction to 
their being inwardly acquainted with the spirit of 
Truth. For it is the work of the holy Spirit to 
direct the mind to God, that in all our proceedings 
we may have a single eye to him; — to giva alms in 
secret, to fast in secret, and labour to keep clear of 
that disposition reproved by our Saviour; "But all 
their works they do for to be seen of men." Mat. 
xxiii. 5. 

That Divine light which enlightens all men, I be- 
lieve, does often shine in the minds of children very 
early; and to humbly wait for wisdom, that our con- 
duct toward them may tend to forward their acquaint- 
ance with it, and strengthen them in obedience there- 
to, appears to me to be a duty on all of us. 

By cherishing the spirit of pride and the love of 
praise in them, I believe they may sometimes improve 
faster in learning, than otherwise they would; but to 
take measures to forward children in learning, which 



256 ON SCHOOLS. 

naturally tend to divert their minds from true humi- 
lity, appears to me to savour of the wisdom of this 
world. 

If tutors are not acquainted with sanctification of 
spirit, nor experienced in an humble waiting for the 
leadings of Truth, but follow the maxims of the wis- 
dom of this world; such children who are under their 
tuition, appear to me to be in danger of imbibing 
thoughts and apprehensions, reverse to that meekness 
and lowliness of heart, which is necessary for all the 
true followers of Christ. 

Children at an age fit for schools, are in a time of 
life which requires the patient attention of pious peo- 
ple; and if we commit them to the tuition of such, 
whose minds we believe are not rightly prepared to 
" train them up in the nurture and admonition of the 
Lord," — we are in danger of not acting the part of 
faithful parents toward them; for our heavenly Fa- 
ther doth not require us to do evil, that good may 
come of it. And it is needful that we deeply ex- 
amine ourselves, lest we get entangled in the wisdom 
of this world, and, through wrong apprehensions, take 
such methods in education as may prove a great in- 
jury to the minds of our children. 

It is a lovely sight to behold innocent children! 
and when they are sent to such schools, where their 
tender minds are in imminent danger of being led 
astray by tutors who do not live a self-denying life, 
or by the conversation of such children who do not 
live in innocence, it is a case much to be lamented. 

While a pious tutor hath the charge of no more 
children than he can take due care of, and keeps his 
authority in the Truth, — the good spirit in which he 
leads and governs, works on the minds of such who 
are not hardened, and his labours not only tend to 
bring them forward in outward learning, but to open 
their understandings with respect to the true chris- 
tian life. But where a person hath charge of too 
many, and his thoughts and time are so much em- 
ployed in the outward affairs of his school, that he 



ON SCHOOLS. 257 

does not so weightily attend to the spirit and conduct 
of each individual, as to be enabled to administer 
rightly to all in due season; — through such omission, 
he not only suffers as to the state of his own mind, 
but the minds of the children are in danger of suffer- 
ing also. 

To watch the spirit of children, to nurture them in 
gospel love, and labour to help them against that 
which would mar the beauty of their minds, is a debt 
we owe them : and a faithful performance of our duty, 
not only tends to their lasting benefit and our own 
peace, but also to render their company agreeable to 
us. 

Instruction, thus administered, reaches the pure 
witness in the minds of such children who are not 
hardened, and begets love in them toward those who 
thus lead them on. But where too great a number are 
committed to a tutor, and he, through much cumber, 
omits a careful attention to the minds of children, — 
there is danger of disorders gradually increasing 
amongst them, till the effects thereof appear in their 
conduct, too strong to be easily remedied. 

A care hath lived on my mind, that more time 
might be employed by parents at home, and by tu- 
tors at school, in weightily attending to the spirit 
and inclinations of children; and that we may so lead, 
instruct, and govern them, in this tender part of life, 
that nothing may be omitted in our power, to help 
them on their way to become the children of our Fa- 
ther who is in heaven. 

Meditating on the situation of schools in our pro- 
vinces, my mind hath, at times, been affected with 
sorrow; and under these exercises it hath appeared 
to me, that if those who have large estates, were 
faithful stewards, and laid no rent nor interest, nor 
other demand, higher than is consistent with univer- 
sal love; and those in lower circumstances would, un- 
der a moderate employ, shun unnecessary expense, 
even to the smallest article; and all unite in humbly 
seeking to the Lord, he would graciously instruct us, 
22* 



258 ON THE RIGHT USE OF 

and strengthen us, to relieve the youth from various 
snares, in which many of them are entangled* 



ON THE RIGHT USE OF THE LORD'S 
OUTWARD GIFTS. 

As our understandings are opened by the pure light, 
we experience that through an inward approaching 
to God, the mind is strengthened in obedience; and 
that by gratifying those desires which are not of his 
begetting, those approaches to him are obstructed, 
and the deceivable spirit gains strength. 

These truths, being as it were engraven upon our 
hearts, and our everlasting interest in Christ evident- 
ly concerned herein, we become fervently engaged, 
that nothing may be nourished which tends to feed 
pride or self-love in us. Thus, in pure obedience, we 
are not only instructed in our duty to God, but also 
in the affairs which necessarily relate to this life; 
and the spirit of Truth which guides into all truth, 
leavens the mind with a pious concern, that "what- 
soever we do in word or deed, may be done in his 
name." Col. iii. 17. 

Hence, such buildings, furniture, food and raiment, 
as best answer our necessities, and are the least like- 
ly to feed that selfish spirit which is our enemy, are 
the most acceptable to us. 

In this state the mind is tender, and inwardly 
watchful, that the love of gain draw us not into any 
business which may weaken our love to our heaven- 
ly Father, or bring unnecessary trouble to any of his 
creatures. 

Thus the way gradually opens to cease from that 
spirit which craves riches and things fetched far; — 
which so mixeth with the customs of this world, and 



THE LORD'S OUTWARD GIFTS. 259 

so intrudes upon the true harmony of life, that the 
right medium of labour is very much departed from. 

And as the minds of people are settled in a steady 
concern, not to hold nor possess any thing but what 
may be held consistent with the wisdom from above, 
they consider what they possess as the gift of God, 
and are inwardly exercised that in all parts of their 
conduct they may act agreeable to the nature of the 
peaceable government of Christ. 

A little supports such a life; and in a state truly 
resigned to the Lord, the eye is single to see what 
outward employ he leads into as a means of our sub- 
sistence, and a lively care is maintained to hold to 
that without launching further. 

There is a harmony in the several parts of this Di- 
vine work in the hearts of people. He who leads 
them to cease from those gainful employments, car- 
ried on in that wisdom which is from beneath, deliv- 
ers also from the desire after worldly greatness, and 
reconciles the mind to a life so plain, that a little doth 
suffice. 

Here the real comforts of life are not lessened. — 
Moderate exercise, in the way of true wisdom, is 
pleasant both to mind and body. Food and raiment 
sufficient, though in the greatest simplicity, are ac- 
cepted with content and gratitude. 

The mutual love subsisting between the faithful 
followers of Christ, is more pure than that friendship 
which is not seasoned with humility, how specious 
soever the appearance. 

Where people depart from pure wisdom in one 
case, it is often an introduction to depart from it in 
many more: and thus a spirit which seeks for out- 
ward greatness, and leads into worldly wisdom to at- 
tain it and support it, gets possession of the mind. 

In beholding the customary departure from the true 
medium of labour, and that unnecessary toil which 
many go through, in supporting outward greatness, 
and procuring delicacies: 



260 ON THE RIGHT USE OF 

In beholding how the true calmness of life is changed 
into hurry, and that many, by eagerly pursuing out- 
ward treasure, are in great danger of withering as to 
the inward state of the mind: 

In meditating on the works of this spirit, and on 
the desolations it makes amongst the professors of 
Christianity, I may thankfully acknowledge that I 
often feel pure love beget longings in my heart for 
the exaltation of the peaceable kingdom of Christ, 
and an engagement to labour according to the gift be- 
stowed on me, for the promoting an humble, plain, 
temperate way of living: a life where no unnecessary 
cares nor expenses may encumber our minds, nor 
lessen our ability to do good; — where no desires af- 
ter riches or greatness may lead into hard dealing; — 
where no connexions with worldly minded men may 
abate our love to God, nor weaken a true zeal for 
righteousness; — a life, wherein we may diligently la- 
bour for resignedness to do, and suffer whatever our 
heavenly Father may allot for us, in reconciling the 
world to himself. 

When the prophet Isaiah had uttered his vision, 
and declared that a time was coming wherein "swords 
should be beat into ploughshares, and spears into pru- 
ning hooks, and that nation should not lift up sword 
against nation, nor learn war any more;" he imme- 
diately directs the minds of the people to the Divine 
teacher, in this remarkable language; "0 house of 
Jacob, come ye and let us walk in the light of the 
Lord." Isaiah ii. 5. 

To wait for the direction of this light in all tempo- 
ral as well as spiritual concerns, appears necessary: 
for if 'in any case we enter lightly into temporal af- 
fairs, without feeling this spirit of Truth to open our 
way therein, and through the love of this world pro- 
ceed on, and seek for gain by that business or traffic, 
which "is not of the Father, but of the world," we 
fail in our testimony to the purity and peace of his 
government; and get into that which is for chastise- 
ment. 



THE LORD'S OUTWARD GIFTS. 261 

This matter hath lain heavy on my mind. It being 
evident, that a life less humble, less simple and plain, 
than that which Christ leads his sheep into, does ne- 
cessarily require a support which pure wisdom does 
not provide for. Hence there is no probability of our 
being "a peculiar people, so zealous of good works 
as to have no fellowship with works of darkness/' 
while we have wants to supply which have their 
foundation in custom, and do not come within the 
meaning of those expressions; "your heavenly Father 
knoweth that ye have need of all these things." — 
Mat. vi. 32. 

These things which he beholds necessary for his 
people, he fails not to give them in his own way, and 
time. But as his ways are above our ways, and his 
thoughts above our thoughts, so imaginary wants are 
different "from these things which he knoweth that 
we have need of." 

As my meditations have been on these things, com- 
passion hath filled my heart toward my fellow crea- 
tures, involved in customs, grow r n up in "the wisdom 
of this world, which is foolishness with God." And 
Oh! that the youth may be so thoroughly experienced 
in an humble walking before the Lord, that they may 
be his children, and know him to be their refuge, their 
safe unfailing refuge, through the various dangers at- 
tending this uncertain state of being. 

If those whose minds are redeemed from the love 
of wealth, and who are content with a plain, simple 
way of living, do yet find that to conduct the affairs of 
a family, without giving countenance to unrighteous 
proceedings, or having fellowship with works of dark- 
ness, the most diligent care is necessary: 

If customs, distinguishable from universal righ- 
teousness, and opposite to the Irue self-denying life, 
are now prevalent, and so mixed with trade, and 
with almost every employ, that it is only through 
humble waiting on the inward guidance of Truth that 
we may reasonably hope to walk safely, and support 



262 ON THE RIGHT USE. &C. 

an uniform testimony to the peaceable government of 
Christ: ' 

If this be the case, how lamentably do they expose 
themselves to temptations, who give way to the love 
of riches, conform to expensive living, and reach forth 
for gain to support customs which our holy Shepherd 
leads not into! 



CONSIDERATIONS 

ON THE 

TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND; 

And how it is to be maintained*, 

First printed in the year 1770. 



And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as5 
a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not 
for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men* r—Mxca h v. 7. 



INTRODUCTION. 
As mankind from one parent are divided into many 
families; and as trading to sea is greatly increased 
within a few ages past; — amidst this extended com- 
merce, how necessary is it that the professed followers 
of Christ keep sacred his holy name, and be employ- 
ed about trade and traffic no further than justice and 
equity evidently accompanies: that we may give no 
just cause of offence to any, however distant, or un* 
able to plead their own cause; and may continually 
keep in view, the spreading of the true and saving 
knowledge of God, and his son Jesus Christ, amongst 
our fellow-creatures; which through his infinite love, 
some feel to be more precious than any other trea- 
sure. 



CONSIDERATIONS, drc. 



CHAPTER I. 

On serving the Lord in our outward employments. 

Under the humbling dispensations of the Father of 
mercies, I have felt an inward labour for the good of 
my fellow-creatures; and a concern that the holy Spi- 
rit, which alone can restore mankind to a state of true 
harmony, may with singleness of heart be waited for 
and followed. 

I trust there are many under that visitation, which 
if faithfully attended to, will make them quick of un- 
derstanding in the fear of the Lord, and qualify with 
firmness to be true patterns of the christian life; who 
in living and walking may hold forth an invitation to 
others, to come out of the entanglements of the spirit 
of this world. 

And that which I feel first to express is, a care for 
those who are in circumstances, which appear diffi- 
cult with respect to supporting their families in a 
way answerable to pure wisdom, — that they may not 
be discouraged; but remember that in humbly obey- 
ing the leading of Christ, he owneth us as his friends. 
"Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command 
you." And to be a friend to Christ, is to be united 
to him who hath all power in heaven and in earth. — 
And though a woman may forget her sucking child, 
yet will he not forget his faithful ones. 

The condition of many who dwell in cities, hath 
often affected me with a brotherly sympathy, attend- 
ed with a desire that resignation may be laboured for: 
and where the holy Leader directeth to a country life, 
or some change of employ, he may be faithfully fol- 
lowed. For, under the refining hand of the Lord, I 



ON SERVING THE LORD. 265 

have seen that the inhabitants of some cities are great- 
ly increased, through some branches of business which 
his holy Spirit doth not lead into; and that being en- 
tangled in these things, tends to bring a cloud over 
the minds of people convinced of the leadings of this 
holy Leader, and obstructs the coming of the king- 
dom of God on earth as it is in heaven. 

Now if we indulge a desire to imitate our neigh- 
bours in those things which harmonize not with the 
true christian walking, these entanglements may hold 
fast to us; and some, who in an awakening time, feel 
tender scruples with respect to their manner of life, 
may look on the example of others more noted in the 
church, (who yet may not be refined from every de- 
gree of dross) and by looking on these examples, and 
desiring to support their families in a way pleasant to 
the natural mind, there may be danger of the world- 
ly wisdom gaining strength in them, and of their de- 
parture from that pure feeling of Truth, which if faith- 
fully attended to, would teach contentment in the Di- 
vine will, even in a very low estate. 

One formerly, speaking on the profitableness of 
true humility, saith, "He that troubles not himself 
with' anxious thoughts for more than is necessary, 
lives little less than the life of angels; whilst by a 
mind content with little, he imitates their want of 
nothing." Cave's Primitive Christianity, page 31. 

"It is not enough, says Tertullian, that a christian 
be chaste and modest; but he must appear to be so: a 
virtue of which he should have so great a store, that 
it should flow from his mind upon his habit, and 
break from the retirements of his conscience, into the 
superficies of his life." Same book, page 43. 

"The garments we wear, says Clemens, ought to 
be mean and frugal. That is true simplicity of habit, 
which takes away what is vain and superfluous; that 
the best and most solid garment, which is the fur- 
thest from curiosity." Page 49. 

Though the change from day to night, is by a mo- 
tion so gradual as scarcely to be perceived; yet when 
22 



266 ON SERVING THE LORD IN 

night is come we behold it very different from the 
day. And thus, as people become wise in their own 
eyes, and prudent in their own sight, customs rise up 
from the spirit of this world, and spread by little and 
little; till a departure from the simplicity that there 
is in Christ, becomes as distinguishable as light from 
darkness, to such who are crucified to the world. 

Our holy Shepherd, to encourage his flock in firm- 
ness and perseverance, reminds them of his love for 
them. "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved 
you; continue ye in my love." And in another place 
he graciously points out the danger of departing there- 
from by going into unsuitable employments: this he 
represents in the similitude of offence from that use- 
ful, active member, the hand; and to fix the instruc- 
tion the deeper, names the right hand: "If thy right 
hand offend thee, cut it off and cast it from thee" — If 
thou feelest offence in thy employment, humbly fol- 
low him who leads into all truth, and is a strong and 
faithful friend to those who are resigned to him. 

Again, he points out those things, which appearing 
pleasant to the natural mind, are not best for us, in 
the similitude of offence from the eye: "If thy right 
eye offend thee pluck it out, and cast it from thee." 
To pluck out the eye, or cut off the hand, is attended 
with sharp pain: and how precious is the instruction 
which our Redeemer thus opens to us, that we may 
not faint under the most painful trials; but put our 
trust in Him, even in him who sent an angel to feed 
Elijah in the wilderness; who fed a multitude with a 
few barley loaves; and is now as attentive to the wants 
of his people as ever. 

The prophet Isaiah represents the unrighteous do- 
ings of the Israelites toward the poor, as the fruits of 
an effeminate life: "As for my people, children are 
their oppressors, and women rule over them. What 
mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind 
the faces of the poor, saith the Lord God." Then he 
mentions the haughtiness of the daughters of Sion, 
and enumerates many ornaments, as instances of their 



OUR OUTWARD EMPLOYMENTS. 267 

vanity: to uphold which the poor were so hardly 
dealt with, that he sets forth their poverty, their lean- 
ness and inability to help themselves, in the simili- 
tude of a man maimed by violence, or "beaten to 
pieces/' and forced to endure the painful operation of 
having his face gradually worn away in the manner 
of grinding. 

And I may here add, that at times when I have 
felt true love open my heart towards my fellow-crea- 
tures, and been engaged in weighty conversation in 
the cause of righteousness, the instructions I have re- 
ceived under these exercises, in regard to the true 
use of the outward gifts of God, have made deep and 
lasting impressions on my mind. 

I have here beheld how the desire to provide 
wealth to uphold a delicate life, hath grievously en- 
tangled many, and been like snares to their offspring. 
And though some have been aflected with a sense of 
their difficulties, and appeared desirous, at times, to 
be helped out of them; yet for want of abiding under 
the humbling power of Truth, they have continued 
in these entanglements. For in remaining conforma- 
ble to this world, and giving way to a delicate life, 
this expensive way of living in parents and in chil- 
dren, hath called for a large supply; and in answering 
this call, "the faces of the poor" have been ground 
away, and made thin through hard dealing. 

There is balm, there is a physician! and Oh! what 
longings do I feel, that we may embrace the means 
appointed for our healing, know that removed which 
now ministers cause for the cries of many people to 
ascend to heaven against their oppressors, and that we 
may see the true harmony restored. 

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is, for 
brethren to dwell together in unity." The nature of 
this unity is thus opened by the apostle; "If we walk 
in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship 
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his 
son cleanseth us from all sin." John i. 7. 



268 ON SERVING THE LORD IN 

The land may be polluted with innocent blood, 
which, like the blood of Abel, may cry to the Al- 
mighty; but those who "walk in the light as he is in 
the light," they know the "lamb of God, who taketh 
away sin." 

Walking is a phrase frequently used in scripture, 
to represent our journey through life, and appears to 
comprehend the various affairs and transactions pro- 
perly relating to our being in this world. 

Christ being the light, dwells always in the light; 
and if our walking be thus, and in every affair and 
concern we faithfully follow this divine Leader; he 
preserves from giving just cause for any to quarrel 
with us. And where this foundation is laid, and mu- 
tually kept to by families conversant with each other, 
the way is open for those comforts in society, which 
our heavenly Father intends as a part of our happiness 
in this world; and then we may experience the good- 
ness and pleasantness of dwelling together in unity. 
But where ways of living take place which tend to 
oppression; and in the pursuit of wealth, people do 
that to others which they know would not be accept- 
able to themselves, either in exercising an absolute 
power over them, or otherwise laying on them un- 
equitable burdens. — Here, a fear lest that measure 
should be meted to them which they have measured 
to others, incites a care to support that by craft and 
cunning devices which stands not on the firm founda- 
tion of righteousness. Thus the harmony of society 
is broken; and from hence commotions and wars do 
frequently arise in the world. 

"Come out of Babylon my people, that ye be not 
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her 
plagues." Rev. xviii. 4. This Babel or Babylon, was 
built in the spirit of self-exaltation: "Let us build us 
a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven, 
and let us make us a name." Gen. xi. 4. In depart- 
ing from an humble trust in God, and following a 
selfish spirit, people have intention to get the upper- 



OUR OUTWARD EMPLOYMENTS. 269 

hand of their fellow-creatures, privately meditate on 
means to obtain their ends, and have a language in 
their hearts which is hard to understand. In Babel 
the language is confounded. 

This city is represented as a place of business, and 
those employed in it, as merchants of the earth. — 
K The merchants of the earth are waxed rich through 
the abundance of her delicacies." Rev. xviii. 3. 

And it is remarkable in this call, that the language 
from the Father of mercies is, my people; "Come 
out of Babylon, my people!" Thus his tender mer- 
cies are toward us in an imperfect state; and as we 
faithfully attend to the call, the path of righteousness 
is more and more opened; cravings, which have not 
their foundation in pure wisdom, more and more 
cease; and in an inward purity of heart, we experi- 
ence a restoration of that which was lost at Babel, 
represented by the inspired prophet in the "return- 
ing of a pure language." Zeph. iii. 9. 

Happy for them who humbly attend to the call, 
"Come out of Babylon, my people." For though in 
going forth we may meet with trials, which for a 
time may be painful; yet as we bow in true humility, 
and continue in it, an evidence is felt that God only 
is wise; and that in weaning us from all that is self- 
ish, he prepares the way to a quiet habitation, where 
all our desires are bounded by his wisdom. And an 
exercise of spirit attends me, that we who are con- 
vinced of the pure leadings of Truth, may bow in 
the deepest reverence, and so watchfully regard this 
Leader, that many who are grievously entangled in 
a wilderness of vain customs, may look upon us, and 
be instructed. And Oh! that such who have plenty 
of this world's goods, may be faithful in that with 
which they are entrusted, and example others in the 
true christian walking! 

Our blessed Lord, speaking on worldly greatness, 

compares himself to one waiting and attending on a 

company at dinner: "Whether is greater, he that 

sitteth at meat or he that serveth? Is not he that sit- 

23* 



270 ON THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 



. 



teth at meat? but I am amongst you as he that serv- 
eth." Luke xxii. 27. 

Thus in a world greatly disordered, where men, 
aspiring to outward greatness, were wont to oppress 
others to support their designs, he who was of the 
highest descent, being the Son of God, and greater 
than any amongst the greatest families of men, by 
his example and doctrines foreclosed his followers 
from claiming any show of outward greatness, from 
any supposed superiority in themselves, or derived 
from their ancestors. 

He who was greater than earthly princes, was not 
only meek and low of heart, but his outward appear- 
ance was plain and lowly, and free from every stain 
of the spirit of this world. 

Such was the example of the blessed Redeemer; of 
whom the beloved disciple said, " He that saith he 
abideth in him, ought also to walk even as he walk- 
ed/' rTVMjf 

John Bradford, who suffered martyrdom under 
Queen Mary, wrote a letter to his friends out of pri- 
son, a short time before he was burnt, in which are 
these expressions; "Consider your dignity as chil- 
dren of God and temples of the Holy Ghost, and 
members of Christ; be ashamed therefore to think, 
speak, or do any thing unseemly for God's children, 
and the members of Christ." Fox's Acts and Mon- 
uments, page 1177. 



CHAPTER II. 

On the Example of Christ. 

As my mind hath been brought into a brotherly 
feeling with the poor, as to the things of this life, 
who are under trials in regard to getting a living in 
a way answerable to the purity of truth; a labour of 



ON THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 271 

heart hath attended me, that their way may not be 
made difficult through the love of money in those 
who are tried with plentiful estates, but that they 
with tenderness of heart may sympathize with them. 

It was the saying of the blessed Redeemer, "Ye 
cannot serve God and mammon/' There is a deep 
feeling of the way of purity, a way in which the 
wisdom of the world hath no part, but is opened by 
the spirit of Truth, and is called "the way of holi- 
ness;" — a way in which the traveller is employed in 
watching unto prayer. And the outward gain we 
get in this journey is considered as a trust committed 
to us, by him who formed and supports the world; 
and is the rightful director of the use and application 
of the products of it. 

Now except the mind be preserved chaste, there is 
no safety for us: but in an estrangement from true 
resignation, the spirit of the world casts up a way, 
in which gain is many times principally attended to, 
and in which there is a selfish application of outward 
treasures. 

How agreeable to the true harmony of society, is 
that exhortation of the apostle! "Look not every 
man on his own things, but every man also on the 
things of others. Let this mind be in you which 
was also in Christ Jesus." 

A person in outward prosperity may have the 
power of obtaining riches; but the same mind being 
in him which is in Christ Jesus, he may feel a ten- 
derness of heart towards those of low degree; and 
instead of setting himself above them, may look 
upon it as an unmerited favour, that his way through 
life is more easy than the way of many others; — may 
improve every opportunity of leading forth out of 
those customs which have entangled the family; — 
employ his time in looking into the wants of the poor 
members, and hold forth such a perfect example of 
humility, that the pure witness may be reached in 
many minds, and the way opened for a harmonious 
walking together. 



212 ON THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 

Jesus Christ, in promoting; the happiness of others, 
was not deficient in looking for the helpless, who lay 
in obscurity; nor did he save any thing to render 
himself honourable amongst men, which might have 
been of more use to the weak members in his Father's 
family: of whose compassion towards us I may now 
speak a little. He who was perfectly happy in him- 
self, moved with infinite love, "took not upon him 
the nature of angels," but our imperfect natures; and 
therein wrestled with the temptations which attend 
us in this life: and being the Son of him who is 
greater than earthly princes, yet became a companion 
to poor, sincere-hearted men. And though he gave 
the clearest evidence that Divine power attended him, 
yet the most unfavourable constructions were framed 
by a self-righteous people; those miracles represent- 
ed as the effect of a diabolical power, and endeavours 
used to render him hateful, as having his mission 
from the prince of darkness: nor did their envy 
cease, till they took him like a criminal and brought 
him to trial. Though some may affect to carry the 
appearance of being unmoved at the apprehension of 
distress, the dear Redeemer, who was perfectly sin- 
cere, having the same human nature which we have, 
and feeling, a little before he was apprehended the 
weight of that work upon him, for which he came 
into the world, was "sorrowful even unto death." 
Here the human nature struggled to be excused from 
a cup so bitter; but his prayers centred in resig- 
nation, "Not my will but thine be done." In this 
conflict, so great was his agony that " sweat like drops 
of blood fell from him to the ground." 

Behold now as foretold by the prophet, he is in a 
judicial manner " numbered with the transgressors." 
Behold him as some poor man of no reputation, stand- 
ing before the high priest and elders, and before 
Herod and Pilate, where witnesses appear against 
him; and he, mindful of the most gracious design of 
his coming, declineth to plead in his own defence; 
"but as a sheep that is dumb before his shearer," so 



ON THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST. 273 

under many accusations, revilings, and bufferings, he 
remained silent. And though he signified to Peter 
that he had access to power sufficient to overthrow 
all their outward forces; yet retaining a resignation 
to suffer for the sins of mankind, he exerted not that 
power, but permitted them to go on in their malici- 
ous designs, and pronounce him to be worthy of 
death; even him who was perfect in goodness. Thus, 
"in his humiliation his judgment was taken away/' 
and he, like some vile criminal, "led as a lamb to the 
slaughter." Under these heavy trials (though poor 
unstable Pilate was convinced of his innocence,) yet 
the people generally looked upon him as a deceiver, 
a blasphemer, and the approaching punishment as a 
just judgment upon him. "They esteemed him 
smitten of God and afflicted. " So great had been 
the surprise of his disciples, at his being taken by 
armed men, that they "forsook him and fled." Thus 
they hid their faces from him; he was despised, and 
by their conduct it appeared as though "they esteem- 
ed him not." 

But contrary to that opinion of his being smitten 
of God and afflicted, it was for our sakes that "he 
was put to grief; he was wounded for our transgres- 
sions; he was bruised for our iniquities;"- and under 
the weight of them manifesting the deepest compas- 
sion for the instruments of his misery, laboured as 
their advocate; and in the deeps of affliction, with an 
unconquerable patience, cried out, "Father forgive 
them, they know not what they do." 

Now this mind being in us, which was in Christ 
Jesus, it removes from our hearts the desire of 
superiority, worldly honours or greatness. A deep 
attention is felt to the Divine counsellor, and an 
ardent engagement to promote, as far as we may be 
enabled, the happiness of mankind universally. This 
state, where every motion from a selfish spirit yield- 
eth to pure love, I may, with gratitude to the Father 
of mercies, acknowledge, is often opened before me 
as a pearl to dig after; — attended with a living con- 



274 ON MERCHANDIZING. 

cern, that amongst the many nations and families on 
the earth, those who believe in the Messiah, that 
"he was manifested to destroy the works of the 
devil," and thus to "take away the sins of the 
world," may experience the will of our heavenly 
Father "to be done on earth as it is in heaven." 
Strong are the desires I often feel, that this holy pro- 
fession may remain unpolluted; and the believers in 
Christ may so abide in the pure inward feeling of his 
spirit, that the wisdom from above may shine forth 
in their living, as a light by which others may be 
instrumentally helped on their way, in the true har- 
monious walking. 



CHAPTER III. 

On Merchandizing. 

Where the treasures of pure love are opened, and 
we obediently follow Him who is the light of life, 
the mind becomes chaste; and a care is felt, that the 
unction from the Holy One may be our leader in 
every undertaking. 

In being crucified to the world, broken off from 
that friendship which is enmity with God, and dead 
to the customs and fashions which have not their 
foundation in the Truth; — the way is prepared to 
lowliness in outward living, and to a disentanglement 
from those snares which attend the love of money. 
And where the faithful friends of Christ are so situa- 
ted that merchandize appears to be their duty, they 
feel a restraint from going further therein, than he 
owns their proceeding; being convinced that they 
are not their own, but are bought with a price; and 
therefore ought to glorify God in their body, and in 
their spirit, which are God's. Cor. vi. 20. Thus they 
are taught, not only to keep to a moderate advance 



ON MERCHANDIZING. 275 

and uprightness in their dealings; but to consider the 
tendency of their proceedings, — to do nothing which 
they know would operate against the cause of uni- 
versal righteousness;— and to keep continually in 
view the spreading of the peaceable kingdom of 
Christ amongst mankind. 

The prophet Isaiah spake of the gathered church 
in the similitude of a city, where many being em- 
ployed were all preserved in purity. "They shall 
call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord; 
and thou shalt be called Sought out, a city not for- 
saken." lxii. 12. And the apostle, after mention- 
ing the mystery of Christ's sufferings, exhorts, "Be 
ye holy in all manner of conversation." 1 Pet. i. 15. 
There is a conversation necessary in trade; and there 
is a conversation so foreign from the nature of 
Christ's kingdom, that it is represented in the simili- 
tude of one man pushing another with a warlike 
weapon: " There is that speaketh like the piercings 
of a sword." Prov. xii. IS. Now in all our con- 
cerns, it is necessary that the leading of the spirit of 
Christ be humbly waited for and faithfully followed, 
as the only means of our being preserved chaste, as 
an holy people, who " in all things are circumspect." 
So that nothing we do may carry the appearance of 
approbation of the works of wickedness, make the 
unrighteous more at ease in unrighteousness, or occa- 
sion the injuries committed against the oppressed to 
be more lightly looked over. 

Where morality is kept to, and supported by the 
inhabitants of a country, there is a certain reproach 
attends those individuals amongst them, who mani- 
festly deviate therefrom. Thus, if a person of good 
report, is charged with stealing goods out of an open 
shop in the day time, and on a public trial is found 
guilty, and the law in that case put in execution, — 
he therein sustains a loss of reputation: but if he be 
convicted a second and third time of the like offence, 
his good name would cease amongst such who knew 
these things. If his neighbour, reputed an honest 



276 ON MERCHANDIZING. 

man, being charged with buying goods of this thief, 
at a time when the purchaser knew they were stolen; 
and on a public trial is found guilty, this purchaser 
would meet with disesteem: but if he persisted in 
buying stolen goods, knowing them to be such, and 
was publicly convicted thereof a second and third 
time, he would no longer be considered as an honest 
man by them who knew these things; nor would it 
appear of good report to be found in his company, 
buying his traffic, till some evident tokens of sin- 
cere repentance appeared in him. But where iniquity 
is committed openly, and the authors of it are not 
brought to justice, nor put to shame, their hands 
grow strong. Thus, the genera) corruption of the 
Jews shortly before their state was broke up by the 
Chaldeans, is described by their boldness in impiety; 
for as their leaders were connected together in wick- 
edness, they strengthened one another, and grew 
confident. "Were they ashamed when they had 
committed abominations? nay, they were not at all 
ashamed, neither could they blush." Jer. vi. 15. 
On which account the Lord thus expostulates with 
them; "What hath my beloved to do in my house, 
seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and 
the holy flesh is passed from thee? When thou doest 
evil, then thou rejoicest." Jer. xi. 15. 

Now the faithful friends of Christ, who hunger 
and thirst after righteousness, and inwardly breathe 
that the kingdom of God may come on earth as it is 
in heaven, — he teacheth them to be quick of under- 
standing in his fear, and to be very attentive to the 
means he may appoint for promoting pure righteous- 
ness in the earth. And as shame is due to those 
whose works manifestly operate against the gracious 
design of the sufferings of Christ for us, a care lives 
on their minds that no wrong customs, however sup- 
ported, may bias their judgments; but that they may 
humbly abide under the cross, and be preserved in a 
conduct which may not contribute to strengthen the 



ON MERCHANDIZING. 277 

hands of the wicked in their wickedness, or to re- 
move shame from those to whom it is justly due. 

The coming of that day is precious, in which we 
experience the truth of this expression; "The Lord 
our righteousness;" and feel him to be "made unto 
us wisdom and sanctification." 

The example of a righteous man is often looked at 
with attention. Where righteous men join in busi- 
ness, their company gives encouragement to others. 
And as one grain of incense deliberately offered to 
the prince of this world, renders an offering to God 
in that state unacceptable; and from those esteemed 
leaders of the people may be injurious to the weak; 
it requires deep humility of heart to follow Him 
faithfully, who alone gives sound wisdom and the 
spirit of true discerning: and Oh! how necessary it 
is to consider the weight of a holy profession! 

The conduct of some formerly, gave occasion of 
complaint against them, — "Thou hast defiled thy 
sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities; by 
the iniquity of thy traffic." Ezek. xxviii. IS. And 
in several places it is charged against Israel, that they 
had polluted the holy name. 

The prophet Isaiah represents inward sanctification 
in the similitude of- being purged from that which is 
fuel for fire; and particularly describes the outward 
fruits, brought forth by those who dwell in this in- 
ward holiness. "They walk righteously, and speak 
uprightly." By walking he represents the journey 
through life, as a righteous journey; and "by speak- 
ing uprightly," seems to point at that which Moses 
appears to have had in view, when he thus expressed 
himself: "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do 
evil; nor speak in a cause to decline after many to 
wrest judgment." Exod. xxiii. 2. 

He goes on to show their firmness in equity; re- 
presenting them as persons superior to all the arts of 
getting money, which have not righteousness for 
their foundation: "They despise the gain of oppres- 
24 



278 ON MERCHANDIZING. 

sions." And further shows how careful they are 
that no prospects of gain may induce them to become 
partial in judgment respecting an injury: "They 
shake their hands from holding bribes." 

Again, where any interest is so connected with 
shedding blood, that the cry of innocent blood goes 
along with it, he points out their care to keep inno- 
cent blood from crying against them, in the simili- 
tude of a man stopping his ears to prevent a sound 
from entering into his head. "They stop their ears 
from hearing of blood." And where they know 
that wickedness is committed, he points out their 
care, that they do not by an unguarded friendship 
with the authors of it, appear like unconcerned look- 
ers on, but as people so deeply affected with sorrow, 
that they cannot endure to stand by and behold it. 
This he represents in the similitude of a man " shut- 
ting his eyes from seeing evil." 

" Who amongst us shall dwell with the devouring 
fire? Who amongst us shall dwell with everlasting 
burnings? He that walketh righteously and speaketh 
uprightly. He that despiseth the gain of oppres- 
sions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, 
that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and 
shutteth his eyes from seeing evil." Isaiah xxxiii. 
14, 15. 

He proceeds, in the spirit of prophecy, to show 
how the faithful, being supported under temptations, 
would be preserved from that defilement there is in 
the love of money; that as they who in a reverent 
waiting on God, feel their strength renewed, are said 
to " mount upward;" so here their preservation from 
the snares of unrighteous gain, is represented in the 
likeness of a man, borne up above all crafty, artful 
means of getting the advantage of another. "They 
shall dwell on high:" and he thus points out the sta- 
bility and firmness of their condition: "His place of 
defence shall be the munitions of rocks." And that, 
under all the outward appearances of loss, in denying 
himself of gainful profits for righteousness' sake; yet 



ON MERCHANDIZING. 279 

through the care of him who provides for the spar- 
rows, he should have a supply answerable to infinite 
wisdom. " Bread shall be given him, his waters 
shall be sure." And as our Saviour mentions the 
sight of God to be attainable by " the pure in heart;" 
so here the prophet pointed out, how in true sanctifi- 
cation the understanding is opened, to behold the 
peaceable, harmonious nature of his kingdom; "thine 
eyes shall see the king in his beauty." And that 
looking beyond all the afflictions which attend the 
righteous, to "a habitation eternal in the heavens," 
they, with an eye divinely open, "shall behold the 
land that is very far off. " 

"He shall dwell on high: his place of defence 
shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given 
him; his waters shall be sure. Thine eyes shall see 
the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land 
that is very far off." Isaiah xxxiii. 16, 17. 

I often remember, and to me the subject is awful, 
that the great Judge of all the earth doeth that which 
is right; and that he " before whom the nations are 
as the drop of a bucket," is " no respecter of per- 
sons." Happy for them, who, like the inspired pro- 
phet, "in the way of his judgments wait for him." 
Isaiah xxvi. 8. 

When we feel him to sit as a refiner with fire, and 
know a resignedness wrought in us to that which he 
appoints for us; his blessing in a very low estate, is 
found to be more precious than much outward trea- 
sure in those ways of life, where the leadings of his 
spirit are not followed. 

The prophet, in a sight of Divine work amongst 
many people, declared in the name of the Lord; " I 
will gather all nations and tongues, and they shall 
come and see my glory." Isaiah Ixvi. 18. And 
again, " From the rising of the sun to the going 
down of the same, my name shall be great amongst 
the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be 
offered to my name, and a pure offering." Malachi 
i. 11. 



280 ON MERCHANDIZING. 

Behold here how the prophets had an inward sense 
of the spreading of the kingdom of Christ; and how 
he was spoken of as one who should "take the hea- 
then for his inheritance, and the utmost parts of the 
earth for his possession." Psal. ii. 8. That "he was 
given for a light to the Gentiles; and for salvation to 
the ends of the earth." Isaiah xlix. 6. 

When we meditate on this Divine work, as a work 
of ages; — a work that the prophets felt long before 
Jesus Christ appeared visibly on earth; and remember 
the bitter agonies he endured when he "poured out 
his soul unto death," that the heathen nations, as well 
as others, might come to the knowledge of the Truth 
and be saved: 

When we contemplate on this marvellous work, as 
that which "the angels desire to look into;" 1 Pet. i. 
12, and behold people amongst whom this light hath 
eminently broken forth, and who have received many 
favours from the bountiful hand of our heavenly Fa- 
ther; — not only indifferent with respect to publishing 
the glad tidings amongst the Gentiles, as yet sitting 
in darkness and entangled with many superstitions; — 
but who, aspiring after wealth and worldly honours, 
take hold of means to obtain their ends, tending to 
stir up wrath and indignation, and to beget an abhor- 
rence in them to the name of Christianity: — When 
these things are weightily attended to, how mournful 
is the subject? 

It is worthy of remembrance, that people in differ- 
ent ages, deeply baptized into the nature of that work 
for which Christ suffered, have joyfully offered up 
their liberty and lives for the promoting of it in the 
earth. 

Policarp, who was reputed a disciple of John, hav- 
ing attained to great age, was at length sentenced to 
die for his religion, and being brought to the fire, 
prayed nearly as follows: "Thou God and Father of 
our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom I have received the 
knowledge of thee! God of the angels and powers, 
and of every living creature, and of all sorts of just 



ON MERCHANDIZING. 281 

men which live in thy presence, — I thank thee, that 
thou hast graciously vouchsafed this day and this hour 
to allot me a portion among the number of martyrs, 
among the people of Christ, unto the resurrection of 
everlasting life; among whom I shall be received in 
thy sight, this day, as a fruitful and acceptable sacri- 
fice. Wherefore for all this, I praise thee, I bless thee, 
I glorify thee through the everlasting High Priest, 
Jesus Christ, thy well beloved son; to whom, with 
thee and the Holy Ghost, be all glory, world without 
end. Amen." 

Bishop Latimer, when sentence of death by fire 
was pronounced against him, on account of his firm- 
ness in the cause of religion, said, "I thank God most 
heartily! that he hath prolonged my life to this end; 
that I may in this case glorify him by this kind of 
death." Fox's Acts and Monuments, 936. 

William Dewsbery, who had suffered much for his 
religion, in his last sickness, encouraging his friends 
to faithfulness, made mention, like good old Jacob, of 
the loving kindness of God to him in the course of his 
life, and that through the power of Divine love, he for 
Christ's sake had joyfully entered prisons. See intro- 
duction to his works. 

I mention these, as a few examples out of many, of 
the powerful operation of the spirit of Christ, where 
people are fully devoted to it; and of the ardent long- 
ings in their minds for the spreading of hi,s kingdom 
amongst mankind. 

Now to those, in the present age, who truly know 
Christ, and feel the nature of his peaceable govern- 
ment opened in their understandings, how loud is that 
call wherewith we are called to faithfulness; that in 
following this pure light of life, "we as workers to- 
gether with him," may labour in that great work for 
which he was offered as a sacrifice on the cross; and 
that his peaceable doctrines may shine through us in 
their real harmony, at a time when the name of Chris- 
tianity is become hateful to many of the heathen. 
24* 



282 ON DIVINE ADMONITIONS. 

When Gehazi had obtained treasures, which the 
prophet under Divine direction had refused, and was 
returned from the business; the prophet, troubled at 
his conduct, queried if it was a time thus to prepare 
for a specious living. "Is it a time to receive money 
and garments, men servants and maid servants? The 
leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave to thee and 
thy seed forever." And Oh! that we may lay to 
heart the condition of the present time! and humbly 
follow His counsel, who alone is able to prepare the 
way for a true harmonious walking amongst mankind. 



CHAPTER IV. 

On Divine Admonitions. 

Such are the perfections of our heavenly Father, 
that in all the dispensations of his providence, it is 
our duty (( in every thing to give thanks." Though 
from the first settlement of this part of America, he 
hath not extended his judgments to the degree of fa- 
mine; yet worms at times have come forth beyond 
numbering, and laid waste fields of grain and grass, 
where they have appeared. Another kind, in great 
multitudes, working out of sight, in grass ground, have 
so eat the roots that the surface being loosened from 
the soil beneath, might be taken off in great sheets. 

These kinds of devouring creatures appearing sel- 
dom, and coming in such multitudes, their generation 
appears different from most other reptiles; and by the 
prophet were called, "God's army sent among the 
people." 

There have been tempests of hail, which have very 
much destroyed the grain where they extended. — 
Through long drought in summer, grain in some 
places hath been less than half the usual quantity.* 

* When crops fail, I often feel a tender care that the case of poor 
tenants may be mercifully considered. 



ON DIVINE ADMONITIONS. 283 

And in the continuance thereof, I have beheld with 
attention, from week to week, how dryness from the 
top of the earth, hath extended deeper and deeper, 
while the corn and plants have languished: and with 
reverence my mind hath been turned toward him, 
who being perfect in goodness, in wisdom and in 
power, doeth all things right. And after long drought, 
when the sky hath grown dark with a collection of 
matter, and clouds like lakes of water hung over our 
heads, from whence the thirsty land hath been soaked; 
I have, at times, with awfulness, beheld the vehement 
operation of lightning, made sometimes to accompany 
these blessings, as a messenger from him who created 
all things, to remind us of our duty in a right use of 
those benefits, and give striking admonitions, that we 
do not misapply those gifts, in which an Almighty 
power is exerted in bestowing them upon us. 

When I have considered that many of our fellow- 
"creatures suffer much in some places for want of the 
necessaries of life, whilst those who rule over them 
are too. much given to luxury, and divers vanities; 
and behold the apparent deviation from pure wisdom 
amongst us, in the use of the outward gifts of God; 
those marks of famine have appeared like humbling 
admonitions from him, that we might be instructed 
by gentle chastisements, and might seriously consider 
our ways; remembering that the outward supply of 
life is a gift from our heavenly Father, and that we 
should no more venture to use, or apply his gifts, in 
a way contrary to pure wisdom. 

Should we continue to reject those merciful admo- 
nitions, and use his gifts at home, contrary to the gra- 
cious design of the Giver; or send them abroad in a 
way of trade, which the spirit of Truth doth not lead 
into: and should He whose eyes are upon all our ways, 
extend his chastisements so far as to reduce us to much 
greater distress than hath yet been felt by these pro- 
vinces; with what sorrow of heart might we meditate 
on that subject. "Hast thou not procured this unto 
thyself, in that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, 



284 ON DIVINE ADMONITIONS. 

when he led thee by the way? Thine own wickedness 
shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove 
thee: know therefore and see, that it is an evil thing 
and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy God, 
and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God 
of hosts." Jer. ii. 17, 19. 

My mind hath often been affected with sorrow, in 
beholding a wrong application of the gifts of our hea- 
venly Father; and those expressions concerning the 
defilement of the earth have been opened to my un- 
derstanding. "The earth was corrupt before God, 
and the earth was filled with violence." Gen. vi. 11. 
Again, Isaiah says, "The earth also is defiled under 
the inhabitants thereof." 

The earth being the work of a Divine power, may 
not as such be accounted unclean: but when violence 
is committed thereon, and the channel of righteous- 
ness so obstructed, that "in our skirts is found the 
blood of the souls of poor innocents; not by a secret 
search, but upon all these."* 

When blood, shed unrighteously, remains unatoned 
for, and the inhabitants are not effectually purged from 
it; when they do not wash their hands in innocency, 
as was figured in the law in the case of one being 
found slain, Deut. xxi. 6; but seek for gain arising 
from scenes of violence and oppression; — here the 
land is polluted with blood. 

Moreover, when the earth is planted and tilled, and 
the fruits brought forth are applied to support unrigh- 
teous purposes; — here the gracious design of infinite 
goodness in these his gifts, being perverted, the earth 
is defiled; and the complaint formerly uttered becomes 
applicable: "Thou hast made me to serve with thy 
sins: thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities." 

* See a Caution and Warning to Great Britain and her Colonies, 
page 31. 



REMARKS 

ON- 
SUNDRY SUBJECTS. 

First printed in London, 1773. 

CHAPTER I. 

On loving our Neighbours as ourselves. 

When we love the Lord with all our hearts, and 
his creatures in his love, we are then preserved in 
tenderness both toward mankind and the animal crea- 
tion; but if another spirit gets room in our minds, and 
we follow it in our proceedings, we are then in the 
way of disordering the affairs of society. 

If a man successful in business expends part of his 
income in things of no real use, while the poor em- 
ployed by him pass through 'great difficulties in get- 
ting the necessaries of life, this requires his serious 
attention. 

If several principal men in business unite in setting 
the wages of those who work for hire, and therein 
have regard to a profit to themselves, answerable to 
unnecessary expense in their families, while the wa- 
ges of the others on a moderate industry will not af- 
ford a comfortable living for their families, and a pro- 
per education for their children; this is like laying a 
temptation in the way of some, to strive for a place 
higher than they are in, when they have not stock 
sufficient for it. 

Now I feel a concern, in the spring of pure love, 
that all who have plenty of outward substance, may 
example others in the right use of things; — may care- 
fully look into the condition of poor people, and be- 
ware of exacting on them with regard to their wages. 



2S6 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

While hired labourers, by moderate industry, thro' 
the Divine blessing, may live comfortably, raise up 
families, and give them suitable education, it ap- 
pears reasonable for them to be content with their 
wages. 

If they who have plenty, love their fellow-crea- 
tures in that love which is Divine, and in all their 
proceedings have an equal regard to the good of man- 
kind universally; — their place in society is a place of 
care, — an office requiring attention. And the more 
we possess, the greater is our trust; and with an in- 
crease of treasure, an increase of care becomes neces- 
sary. 

When our will is subject to the will of God; and 
in relation to the things of this world, we have no- 
thing in view, but a comfortable living, equally with 
the rest of our fellow-creatures; then outward trea- 
sures are no further desirable than as we feel a gift 
in our minds equal to the trust, and strength to act as 
dutiful children in His service who hath formed all 
mankind, and appointed a subsistence for us in this 
world. 

A desire for treasures on any other motive, appears 
to be against that command of our blessed Saviour, 
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth. " 
Mat. vi. 19. 

He forbids not laying up in the summer against the 
wants of winter; nor doth he teach us to be slothful 
in that which properly relates to our being in this 
world: but in this prohibition he puts in yourselves. 
Lay not up for yourselves treasures here on earth. 

Now in the pure light, this language is understood; 
for in the love of Christ there is no respect of per- 
sons; and while we abide in his love, we live not to 
ourselves, but to him who died for us. And as we 
are thus united in spirit to Christ, we are engaged to 
labour in promoting that work in the earth for which 
he suffered. 

In this state of mind our desires are, that every 
honest member in society may have a portion of trea- 



ON LOVING OtTR NEIGHBOURS. 287 

sure, and share of trust, answerable to that gift with 
which our heavenly Father hath gifted us. 

In great treasure, there is a great trust. 

A great trust requireth great care; but the labori- 
ous mind wants rest. 

A pious man is content to do a share of business 
in society, answerable to the gifts with which he is 
endowed, while the channels of business are free 
from unrighteousness, but is careful lest at any time 
his heart be overcharged. 

In the harmonious spirit of society, " Christ is all 
in ill" 

Here it is that "old things are past away, all things 
are new, all things are of God;" and the desire for 
outward riches is at an end. 

They of low degree who have small gifts, enjoy 
their help who have large gifts; those with their 
small gifts, have a small degree of care, while these 
with their large gifts, have a large degree of care: 
and thus to abide in the love of Christ, and enjoy a 
comfortable living in this world, is all that is aimed 
at by those members in society, to whom Christ is 
made wisdom and righteousness. 

But when they who have much treasure, are not 
faithful stewards of the gifts of God, great difficulties 
attend it. 

Now this matter hath deeply affected my mind. — 
The Lord, thro' merciful chastisements, hath given 
me a feeling of that love, in which the harmony of 
society standeth, and a sight of the growth of that 
seed which bringeth forth wars and great calamities 
in the world; and a labour attends me to open it to 
others. 

Now to act with integrity, according to that strength 
of mind and body with which our Creator hath endow- 
ed each of us, appears necessary for all; and he who 
thus stands in the lowest station in society, appears 
•to be entitled to as comfortable and convenient a liv- 
ing, as he whose gifts of mind are greater, and whose 
cares are more extensive. 



288 ON LOVING OUR neighbours, 

If some, endowed with strong understandings as 
men, abide not in the harmonious state, in which we 
love our neighbours as ourselves, but walk in that 
spirit in which the children of this world are wise in 
their generation; — these, by the strength of contri- 
vance, may sometimes gather great treasures. But 
the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God; 
and if we gather treasures in worldly wisdom, we lay 
up treasures for ourselves: and great treasures man- 
aged in any other spirit than the spirit of Truth, dis- 
ordered the affairs of society; for hereby the good 
gifts of God in this outward creation, are turned into 
the channels of worldly honour, and frequently ap- 
plied to support luxury; while the wages of poor la- 
bourers are such, that with moderate industry and 
frugality, they may not live comfortably, raise up fa- 
milies, and give them suitable education; but through 
the straitness of their condition, are often drawn on 
to labour under weariness, to toil through hardships 
themselves, and frequently to oppress those useful 
animals with which we are entrusted. 

From age to age, throughout all ages, Divine love 
is that alone in which dominion has been, is, and will 
be, rightly conducted. 

In this the endowments of men are so employed, 
that the friend and the governor are united in one, 
and oppressive customs come to an end. 

Riches in the hands of individuals in society, is at- 
tended with some degree of power; and so far as pow- 
er is put forth separate from pure love, so far the gov- 
ernment of the Prince of peace is interrupted. And 
as we know not that our children after us will dwell 
in that state in which power is rightly applied, to 
lay up riches for them appears to be against the na- 
ture of his government. 

The earth, through the labour of men, under the 
blessing of Him who formed it, yieldeth a supply for 
the inhabitants from generation to generation ; and- 
they who walk in the pure light, their minds are pre- 
pared to taste and relish not only those blessings 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 289 

which are spiritual, but also feel a sweetness and sa- 
tisfaction in a right, use of the good gifts of God in 
the visible creation. 

Here we see that man's happiness stands not in 
great possessions, but in a heart devoted to follow 
Christ, in that use of things, where customs contrary 
to universal love have no power over us. 

In this state our hearts are prepared to trust in 
God, and our desires for our children and posterity 
are, that they with the rest of mankind in ages to 
come, may be of that number of whom he hath said, 
"I will be a father to them, and they shall be my 
sons and daughters." 

When wages in a fruitful land bear so small a pro- 
portion to the necessaries of life, that poor honest 
people who have families cannot, by a moderate in- 
dustry, attain to a comfortable living, and give their 
children sufficient learning; but must either labour to 
a degree of oppression, or else omit that which ap- 
pears to be a duty: 

While this is the case with the poor, there is an 
inclination in the minds of most people, to prepare 
at least so much treasure for their children, that they 
with care and moderate industry may live free from 
these hardships which the poor pass through. 

Now this subject requireth our serious considera- 
tion. To labour that our children may be put in a 
way to live comfortably, appears in itself to be a 
duty; so long as these our labours are consistent with 
universal righteousness: but if, in striving to shun 
poverty, we do not walk in that state where Christ 
is our life, then w r e wander. "He that hath the 
Son, hath life." "This life is the light of men." If 
we walk not in this light, we walk in darkness; and 
"he {'hat walketh in darkness, knoweth not whither 
he goeth." 

To keep to right means in labouring to attain a 
right end is necessary. If, in striving to shun pov- 
erty, we strive only in that state where Christ is the 
light of our life, our labours will stand in the true 
25 



290 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

harmony of society. But if people are confident that 
the end aimed at is good, and in this confidence pur- 
sue it so eagerly, as not to wait for the spirit of Truth 
to lead them; then they come to loss. .Christ is giv- 
en to be a leader and "commander of the people." 
Isaiah lv. 4. Again; "the Lord shall guide thee con- 
tinually." Isaiah Iviii. 12. Again; "Lord thou wilt 
ordain peace for us, for thou also hast wrought all 
our works in us." Isaiah xxvi. 12. "In the Lord 
have we righteousness and strength." Isaiah xlv. 24. 

In this state our minds are preserved watchful in 
following the leadings of his spirit in all our proceed- 
ings in this world, and a care is felt for a reforma- 
tion in general; that our own posterity, with the rest 
of mankind in succeeding ages, may not be entan- 
gled by oppressive customs, transmitted to them 
through our hands. But if people, in the narrowness 
of natural love, are afraid that their children will be 
oppressed by the rich, and through an eager desire 
to get treasures, depart from the pure leadings of 
Truth in one case, though it may seem to be a small 
matter, yet the mind even in that small matter may 
be emboldened to continue in a way of proceeding, 
without waiting for the divine Leader. 

Thus people may grow expert in business, wise in 
the wisdom of this world, retain a fair reputation 
amongst men, and yet being strangers to the voice of 
Christ, the safe leader of his flock, the treasures thus 
gotten may be like snares to the feet of their pos- 
terity. 

Now to keep faithful to the pure Counsellor, and 
under trying circumstances suffer adversity for righ- 
teousness' sake; in this there is a reward. 

If we, being poor, are hardly dealt with by those 
who are rich, and under this difficulty are frugal and 
industrious, and in true humility open our case to 
them who oppress us; this may reach the pure wit- 
ness in their minds; and though we should remain 
under difficulties as to the outward, yet if we abide 
in the love of Christ, all will work for our good. 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 291 

When we feel what it is to suffer in the true suffer- 
ing state, then we experience the truth of those ex- 
pressions, that, "as the sufferings of Christ abound 
in us, so our consolation aboundeth by Christ." 

But if poor people who are hardly dealt with, do 
not attain to the true suffering state, — do not labour 
in true love with those who deal hardly with them; 
but envy their outward greatness, murmur in their 
hearts because of their own poverty, and strive in 
the wisdom of this world to get riches for themselves 
and their children; this is like wandering in the 
dark. 

If we who are of a middle station between riches 
and poverty, are affected at times with the oppres- 
sions of the poor, and feel a tender regard for our 
posterity after us; Oh! how necessary it is that we 
wait for the pure counsel of Truth! 

Many have seen the hardships of the poor, felt an 
eager desire that their children may be put in a way 
to escape these hardships; but how few have con- 
tinued in that pure love which openeth our under- 
standings to proceed rightly under these difficulties! 

How few have faithfully followed that holy Leader, 
who prepares his people to labour, for the restoration 
of true harmony amongst our fellow-creatures! 

In the pure gospel spirit we walk by faith and not 
by sight. 

In the obedience of faith we die to the narrowness 
of self-love; and our life being hid with Christ in 
God, our hearts are enlarged toward mankind uni- 
versally. But in departing from the true light of 
life, many, in striving to get treasures, have stumbled 
upon the dark mountains. 

Now that purity of life which proceeds from faith- 
fulness in following the spirit of Truth, — that state 
where our minds are devoted to serve God, and all 
our wants are bounded by his wisdom; this habitation 
has often been opened before me as a place of retire- 
ment for the children of the light, where we may 
stand separated from that which disordereth and con- 



292 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

fuseth the affairs of society, and where we may have 
a testimony of our innocence in the hearts of those 
who behold us. 

Through departing from the Truth as it is in Jesus, 
— through introducing ways of life attended with 
unnecessary expenses, many wants have arisen, the 
minds of people have been employed in studying to 
get wealth; and in this pursuit, some departing from 
equity, have retained a profession of religion; others 
have looked at their example, and thereby been 
strengthened to proceed further in the same way. 
Thus, many have encouraged the trade of taking men 
from Africa, and selling them as slaves. 

It hath been computed that near one hundred thou- 
sand negroes have, of late years, been taken annually 
from that coast, by ships employed in the English 
trade. 

As I have travelled on religious visits in some 
parts of America, I have seen many of these people 
under the command of overseers, in a painful servi- 
tude. 

I have beheld them as gentiles, under people pro- 
fessing Christianity, not only kept ignorant of the 
Scriptures, but under great provocation to wrath; of 
whom it may truly be said, "They that rule over 
them make them to howl, and the holy Name is 
abundantly blasphemed. " Where children are taught 
to read the sacred writings, while young, and exam- 
pled in meekness and humility, it is often helpful to 
them; nor is this any more than a debt due from us 
to the succeeding age. 

But where youth are pinched for want of the 
necessaries of life, forced to labour hard under the 
harsh rebukes of rigorous overseers, and many times 
endure unmerciful whippings: in such an education, 
how great are the disadvantages they lie under! And 
how forcibly do these things work against the in- 
crease of the government of the Prince of peace! 

Humphrey Smith, in his works, p. 125, speaking 
of the tender feelings of the love of God in his heart 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 293 

when he was a child, said, "By the violent wrathful 
nature that ruled in others, was my quietness dis- 
turbed, and anger begotten in me toward them; yet 
that of God in me was not wholly overcome, but his 
love was felt in my heart, and great was my grief 
when the earthly-mindedness and wrathful nature in 
others so provoked me, that I was estranged from it." 

"And this I write as a warning to parents and 
others, that in the fear of the living God, you may 
train up the youth, and may not be a means of bring- 
ing them into such alienation. " 

Many are the vanities and luxuries of the present 
age, and in labouring to support a way of living con- 
formable to the present world, the departure from 
that wisdom that is pure and peaceable, hath been 
great. 

Under the sense of a deep revolt, and an overflow- 
ing stream of unrighteousness, my life has often been 
a life of mourning; and tender desires are raised in 
me, that the nature of this practice may be laid to 
heart. 

I have read some books wrote by people who were 
personally acquainted with the manner of getting 
slaves in Africa. 

I have had verbal relations of this nature from 
several negroes brought from Africa, who have learn- 
ed to talk English. 

I have sundry times heard Englishmen speak on 
this subject, who have been in Africa on this busi- 
ness. And from all these accounts, it appears evident 
that great violence is committed, and much blood 
shed in Africa in getting slaves. 

When three or four hundred slaves are put in the 
hold of a vessel in a hot climate, their breathing soon 
affects the air. Were that number of free people to 
go passengers, with all things proper for their voy- 
age/there would inconvenience arise from their num- 
ber, But slaves are taken by violence, and frequent- 
ly endeavour to kill the white people, that they may 
return to their native land. Hence they are frequent- 
25* 



294 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

Jy kept under some sort of confinement, by means of 
which a scent ariseth in the hold of a ship, and dis- 
tempers often break out amongst them, of which 
many die. Of this tainted air in the hold of ships 
freighted with slaves, I have had several accounts; 
some in print, and some verbal, and all agree that the 
scent is grievous. When these people are sold in 
America, and in the islands, they are commonly 
made to labour in a manner more servile and con- 
stant, than that which they were used to at home. 
So that with grief, with different diet from what has 
been common with them, and with hard labour, some 
thousands are computed to die every year, in what is 
called the seasoning. 

Thus it appears evident, that great numbers of 
these people are brought every year to an untimely 
end; many of them being such who never injured us. 

Where the innocent suffer under hard-hearted men, 
even unto death, and the channels of equity are so 
obstructed, that the cause of the sufferers is not judg- 
ed in righteousness, "the land is polluted with 
blood. " Numb. xxxv. 33. 

Where blood hath been shed unrighteously, and 
remains unatoned for, the cry thereof is very piercing. 

Under the humbling dispensations of Divine Provi- 
dence, this cry hath deeply affected my heart, and I 
feel a concern to open, as I may be enabled, that 
which lieth heavy on my mind. 

When the iniquity of the house of Israel and of 
Judah was exceeding great, — when the land was de- 
filed with blood, and the city full of perverser.ess; 
"some were found sighing and crying for the abomi- 
nations of the times." Ezek. ix. 4. And such who 
live under a right feeling of our condition as a nation, 
these I trust will be sensible that the Lord at this day 
doth call to mourning, though many are ignorant of 
it. So powerful are bad customs when they become 
general, that people growing bold through the exam- 
ples one of another, have often been unmoved at the 
most serious warnings. 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 295 

Our blessed Lord speaking of the people of the old 
world, said, "They eat, they drank, they married, 
and were given in marriage, until the day that Noah 
went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed 
them all." Luke xvii. 21. He also spake concerning 
the people of Sodom, who were represented by the 
prophet as haughty, luxurious, and oppressive: "This 
was the sin of Sodom; pride, fulness of bread, and 
abundance of idleness was found in her, and in her 
daughters; neither did she strengthen the hands of 
the poor and needy." Ezek. xvi. 49. 

Now in a revolt so deep as this, when much blood 
has been shed unrighteously, in carrying on the slave 
trade, and in supporting the practice of keeping 
slaves, which at this day is unatoned for, and crieth 
from the earth, and from the seas against the oppres- 
sor! 

While this practice is continued, and, under a great 
load of guilt there is more unrighteousness commit- 
ted, the state of things is very moving! 

There is a love which stands in nature; and a 
parent beholding his child in misery, hath a feeling 
of the affliction. But in Divine love, the heart is en- 
larged towards mankind universally, and prepared to 
sympathize with strangers, though in the lowest sta- 
tions in life. Of this the prophet appears to have 
had a feeling, when he said, " Have we not all one 
Father? Hath not one God created us? Why then 
do we deal treacherously every man with his brother, 
in prophaning the covenant of our fathers?" Mai. 
ii. 10. 

He who of old heard the groans of the children of 
Israel under the hard task-masters in Egypt, I trust 
hath looked down from his holy habitation on the 
miseries of these deeply oppressed people. Many 
lives have been shortened thro' extreme oppression, 
while they laboured to support luxury and worldly 
greatness. And tho' many people in outward pros- 
perity may think little of those things, yet the gra- 



296 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

cious Creator hath regard to the cries of the innocent, 
however unnoticed by men. 

The Lord in the riches of his goodness, is leading 
some into a feeling of the condition of this people, 
who cannot rest without labouring as their advocates: 
of which in some measure I have had experience: 
for, in the movings of his love in my heart, these 
poor sufferers have been brought near to me. 

The unoffending, aged and infirm, made to labour 
too hard, kept on a diet less comfortable than their 
weak state required, and exposed to great difficulties 
under hard-hearted men; to whose sufferings I have 
often been a witness, and under the heart melting 
power of Divine love, their misery hath felt to me 
like the misery of my parents. 

Innocent youth, taken by violence from their 
native land, from their friends and acquaintance; — 
put on board ships with hearts laden with sorrow; — 
exposed to great hardships at sea; — placed under peo- 
ple, where their lives have been attended with great 
provocation to anger and revenge: 

With the condition of these youth, my mind hath 
often been affected, as with the afflictions of my chil- 
dren. And in a feeling of the misery of these peo- 
ple, and of that great offence which is ministered to 
them, my tears have been often poured out before 
the Lord. 

That holy Spirit which affected my heart when I 
was a youth, I trust is often felt by the negroes in 
their native land, inclining their minds to that which 
is righteous. And had the professed followers of 
Christ, in all their conduct toward them, manifested 
a disposition answerable to the pure principle in their 
hearts, how might the holy name have been honour- 
ed amongst the gentiles! And how might we have 
rejoiced in the fulfilling of that prophecy; "I the 
Lord love judgment; I hate robbery for burnt offer- 
ings; and I will direct their work in truth, and make 
an everlasting covenant with them. Their seed shall 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 297 

be known amongst the gentiles, and their offspring 
amongst the people: all that see them shall acknow- 
ledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord 
hath blessed." Isaiah Ixi. S, 9. 

But in the present state of things, how contrary is 
this practice to that meek spirit, in which our Saviour 
gave his life for us, that all the ends of the earth 
might know salvation in his name! 

How are the sufferings of our blessed Redeemer 
set at nought, and his name blasphemed amongst the 
gentiles, through the unrighteous proceedings of his 
professed followers! 

My mind hath often been affected, even from the 
days of my youth, under a sense of that marvellous 
work, for which God, in infinite goodness, sent his 
Son into the world. 

The opening of that spring of living waters, which 
the true believers in Christ experience; by which 
they are redeemed from pride and covetousness, and 
brought into a state of meekness, where their hearts 
are enlarged in true love toward their fellow-crea- 
tures universally: this work to me has been precious, 
and the spreading of the knowledge, of the Truth 
among the gentiles, been very desirable. And the 
professed followers of Christ joining in customs evi- 
dently unrighteous, which manifestly tend to stir up 
wrath, and increase wars and desolations, hath often 
covered my mind with sorrow. 

If we bring this matter home, and as Job proposed 
to his friends, put our soul in their souls' stead: 

If we consider ourselves and our. children as ex- 
posed to the hardships which these people lie under 
in supporting an imaginary greatness: 

Did we in such case behold an increase of luxury 
and superfluity amongst our oppressors, and there- 
with felt an increase of the weight of our burdens; 
and expected our posterity to groan under oppression 
after us: 

Under all this misery, had we none to plead our 
cause, nor any hope of relief from man, how would 



298 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

our cries ascend to the God of the spirits of all flesh, 
who judgeth the world in righteousness, and in his 
own time is a refuge for the oppressed! 

If they who thus afflicted us, continued to lay 
claim to religion, and were assisted in their business 
by others, esteemed pious people, who through a 
friendship with them strengthened their hands in 
tyranny: 

In such a state, when we were hunger-bitten, and 
could not have sufficient nourishment; but saw them 
in fulness pleasing their taste with things fetched 
from far: 

When we were wearied with labour, denied the 
liberty to rest, and saw them spending their time at 
ease: when garments answerable to our necessities 
were denied us, while we saw them clothed in that 
which was costly and delicate: 

Under such affliction, how would these painful 
feelings rise up as witnesses against their pretended 
devotion! And if the name of their religion was 
mentioned in our hearing, how would it sound in our 
ears like a word which signified self-exaltation, and 
hardness of heart! • 

When a trade is carried on, productive of much 
misery, and they who suffer by it are some thousand 
miles off, the danger is the greater of not laying their 
sufferings to heart. 

In procuring slaves on the coast of Africa, many 
children are stolen privately; wars also are encou- 
raged amongst the negroes; but all is at a great dis- 
tance. 

Many groans arise from dying men, which we 
hear not. 

Many cries are uttered by widows and fatherless 
children, which reach not our ears. 

Many cheeks are wet with tears, and faces sad with 
unutterable grief, which we see not. 

Cruel tyranny is encouraged. The hands of rob- 
bers are strengthened; and thousands reduced to the 
most abject slavery, who never injured us. 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 299 

Were we for the term of one year only, to be eye- 
witnesses to what passeth in getting these slaves: 

Was the blood which is there shed to be sprinkled 
on our garments: 

Were the poor captives, bound with thongs, heavy 
laden with elephants teeth, to pass before our eyes 
on their way to the sea: 

Were their bitter lamentations day after day to 
ring in our ears, and their mournful cries in the night 
to hinder us from sleeping: 

Were we to. hear the sound of the tumult, when 
the slaves on board the ships attempt to kill the Eng- 
lish, and behold the issue of those bloody conflicts: — 

What pious man could be a witness to these things, 
and see a trade carried on in this manner, without 
being deeply affected with sorrow! 

Through abiding in the love of Christ, we feel a 
tenderness in our hearts toward our fellow-creatures 
entangled in oppressive customs; and a concern so 
to walk that our conduct may not be a means of 
strengthening them in error. 

It was the command of the Lord through Moses, 
"Thou shalt not suffer sin upon thy brother: thou 
shalt in any wise rebuke thy brother, and shalt not 
suffer sin upon him." Lev. xix. 17. 

Again; "Keep far from a false matter; and the 
innocent and righteous slay thou not." Exod. xxiii. 7. 

The prophet Isaiah mentions oppression as that 
which the true church in time of outward quiet, 
should not only be clear of, but should be far from 
it — " Thou shalt be far from oppression." Isaiah liv. 
14. Now these words, far from, appear to have 
an extensive meaning, and to convey instruction in 
regard to that of which Solomon speaks; "Though 
hand join in hand, yet the wicked shall not go un- 
punished." Prov. xvi. 5. 

It was a complaint against one of old, "When 
thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him." 
Psalm. 1. 18. 

The prophet Jeremiah represents the degrees of 



300 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

preparation toward idolatrous sacrifice, in the simili- 
tude of a work carried on by children, men, and 
women, — "The children gather wood, the fathers 
kindle the fire, and the women knead the dough to 
bake cakes for the queen of heaven." Jer. vii. 18. 

It was a complaint of the Lord against Israel, 
through his prophet Ezekiel, that "they strengthen- 
ed the hands of the wicked, and made the hearts of 
the righteous sad." 

Some works of iniquity carried on by the people 
were represented by the prophet Hosea, in the simili- 
tude of ploughing, reaping, and eating the fruit: 
" You have ploughed wickedness, reaped iniquity, 
eaten the fruit of lying, because thou didst trust in 
thy own way, to the multitude of thy mighty men." 

The prophet, speaking of the true church, said, 
"Thy people also shall be all righteous." 

Of the depth of this Divine work several have 
spoken. 

John Gratton, in his Journal, p. 45, said, "The 
Lord is my portion, I shall not want. He hath 
wrought all my works in me. I am nothing but 
what I am in him." 

Gilbert Latey, through the powerful operations of 
the spirit of Christ in his soul, was brought to that 
depth of self-denial, that he could not join with that 
proud spirit in other people, which inclined them to 
want vanities and superfluities. This Friend was 
often amongst the chief rulers of the nation in times 
of persecution; and it appears by the testimony of 
Friends, that his dwelling was so evidently in the 
pure life of Truth, that in his visits to those great 
men, he found a place in their minds; and that king 
James the Second, in the times of his troubles, made 
particular mention in a very respectful manner of 
what Gilbert once said to him. 

The said Gilbert found a concern to write an 
epistle, in which are these expressions: "Fear the 
Lord, ye men of all sorts, trades, and callings, and 
leave off all the evil that is in them, for the Lord is 



ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 301 

grieved with the evils used in your employments 
which you are exercised in." 

" It is even a grief to see how you are servants to 
sin, and instruments of Satan." See his works, p. 
42, &c. 

George Fox, in an epistle, writes thus: " Friends, 
stand in the eternal power of God, witnesses against 
the pomps and vanities of this world." 

"Such tradesmen who stand as witnesses in the 
power of God, cannot fulfil the people's minds in 
these vanities, and therefore they are offended at 
them." 

" Let all trust in the Lord, and wait patiently on 
him. For when Truth first broke forth in London, 
many tradesmen could not take so much money in 
their shops for some time, as would buy them bread 
and water, because they withstood the world's ways, 
fashions, and customs; yet by their patient waiting 
on the Lord in their good life and conversation, they 
answered the truth in people's hearts, and thus their 
business increased." Book of Boctrinals, p. S24. 

Now Christ our holy leader graciously continueth 
to open the understandings of his people; and as cir- 
cumstances alter from age to age, some who are deep- 
ly baptized into a feeling of the state of things, are 
led by his holy spirit into exercises in some respect 
different from those which attended the faithful in 
foregoing ages, and through the constrainings of pure 
love, are engaged to open the feelings they have to 
others. 

In faithfully following Christ, the heart is weaned 
from the desire of riches, and we are led into a life 
so plain and simple, that a little doth suffice; and 
thus the way openeth to deny ourselves, under all 
the tempting allurements of that gain, which we know 
is the gain of unrighteousness. 

The apostle, speaking on this subject, asketh this 
question; " What fellowship hath righteousness with 
unrighteousness?" And again saith, " Have no fel- 
lowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but 



302 ON LOVING OUR NEIGHBOURS. 

rather reprove them." Ephes. v. 11. Again, "Be 
not partaker of other men's sins, keep thyself pure." 
1 Tim. v. 22. 

Where people, through the power of Christ, are 
thoroughly settled in a right use of things, freed from 
all unnecessary care and expense; the mind in this 
true resignation is at liberty from the bands of a nar- 
row self-interest, to attend from time to time on the 
movings of his spirit upon us, though he leads into 
that, through which our faith is closely tried. 

The language of Christ is pure, and to the pure in 
heart, this pure language is intelligible: but in the 
love of money, the mind being intent on gain, is too 
full of human contrivance to attend to it. 

It appeareth evident that some channels of trade 
are denied with unrighteousness, that the minds of 
many are intent on getting treasures to support a life 
in which there are many unnecessary expenses. And 
I feel a living concern attend my mind, that under 
these difficulties we may humbly follow our heavenly 
Shepherd, who graciously regardeth his flock, and is 
willing and able to supply us both inwardly and out- 
wardly with clean provender, that hath been winnow- 
ed with the shovel and the fan; where we may "sow 
to ourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy;" and 
not be denied with the works of iniquity. 

Where customs contrary to pure wisdom are trans- 
mitted to posterity, it appears to be an injury com- 
mitted against them; and I often feel tender compas- 
sion toward a young generation, and desires that their 
difficulties may not be increased through unfaithful- 
ness in us of the present age. 



ON a sailor's life. 303 



CHAPTER II. 

On a Sailor's Life. 

In the trade to Africa for slaves, and in the man- 
agement of ships going on these voyages, many of 
our lads and young men have a considerable part of 
their education. 

Now what pious father beholding his son placed in 
one of these ships, to learn the practice of a mariner, 
could forbear mourning over him? 

Where youth are exampled in means of getting 
money, so full of violence, and used to exercise such 
cruelties on their fellow-creatures, the disadvantage 
to them in their education is very great. 

But I feel it in my mind to write concerning the 
sea-faring life in general. 

In the trade carried* on from the West Indies, and 
from some parts of the continent, the produce of the 
labour of slaves is a considerable part. And sailors 
who are frequently at ports where slaves abound, and 
converse often with people who oppress without the 
appearance of remorse, and often with sailors employ- 
ed in the slave trade, how powerfully do these evil 
examples spread amongst the sea-faring youth! 

I have had many opportunities to feel and under- 
stand the general state of the sea-faring life amongst 
us; and my mind hath often been sad on account of 
so many lads and young men being trained up amidst 
so great corruption. 

Under the humbling power of Christ, I have seen 
that if the leadings of his holy spirit were faithfully- 
attended to by his professed followers in general, the 
heathen nations would be exampled in righteousness. 
A less number of people would be employed on the 
seas. The channels of trade would be more free 
from defilement. Fewer people would be employed 
in vanities and superfluities. The inhabitants of 
cities would be less in number. Those who have 



304 on A sailor's life. 

much lands would become fathers to the poor. More 
people would be employed in the sweet employment 
of husbandry; and in the path of pure wisdom, labour 
would be an agreeable, healthful employment. 

In the opening of these things in my mind, I feel 
a living concern that we who have felt Divine love 
in our hearts, may faithfully abide in it, and like good 
soldiers endure hardness for Christ's sake. 

He, our blessed Saviour, exhorting his followers to 
love one another, adds, " As I have loved you." 

He loved Lazarus, yet in his sickness did not heal 
him, but left him to endure the pains of death, that in 
restoring him to life, the people might be confirmed 
in the true faith. 

He loved his disciples, but sent them forth on a 
message attended with great difficulty, amongst hard- 
hearted people, some of whom would think that in 
killing them they did God service. 

So deep is Divine love, that in steadfastly abiding in 
it, we are prepared to deny ourselves of all that gain 
which is contrary to pure wisdom, and to follow 
Christ, even under contempt, and through sufferings. 

While Friends were kept truly humble, and walk- 
ed according to the purity of our principles, the Di- 
vine witness in many hearts was reached: but when 
a worldly spirit got entrance, therewith came in luxu- 
ries and superfluities, and spread by little and little, 
even amongst the foremost rank in society, and from 
thence others took liberty in that way more abun- 
dantly. 

In the continuation of these things from parents to 
children, there were many wants to supply; even 
wants unknown to Friends while they faithfully fol- 
lowed Christ. And in striving to supply these wants 
many have exacted on the poor, many have entered 
on employments, in which they often labour in up- 
holding pride and vanity. Many have looked on 
one another, been strengthened in these things, one 
by the example of another, and as to the pure Divine 



on A sailor's life. 305 

seeing, dimness hath come over many, and the chan- 
nels of true brotherly love been obstructed. 

People may have no intention to oppress, yet by 
entering on expensive ways of life, their minds may 
be so entangled therein, and so engaged to support 
expensive customs, as to be estranged from the pure 
sympathizing spirit. 

As I have travelled in England, I have had a ten- 
der feeling of the condition of poor people; some of 
whom, though honest and industrious, have nothing 
to spare toward paying for the schooling of their 
children. 

There is a proportion between labour and the ne- 
cessaries of life, and, in true brotherly love, the mind 
is open to feel after the necessities of the poor. 

Amongst the poor there are some that are weak 
through age, and others of a weakly nature, who pass 
through straits in a very private life, without asking 
relief from the public. 

Such who are strong and healthy may do that busi- 
ness which to the weakly may be oppressive; and in 
performing that in a day which is esteemed a day's la- 
bour, by weakly persons in the field and in the shops, 
and by weakly women who spin and knit in the ma- 
nufactories, they often pass through weariness; and 
many sighs I believe are uttered in secret, unheard 
by some who might ease their burdens. 

Labour in the right medium is healthy, but in too 
much of it there is a painful weariness; and the hard- 
ships of the poor are sometimes increased through 
want of more agreeable nourishment, more plentiful 
fuel for the fire, and warmer clothing in the winter 
than their wages will answer. 

When I have beheld plenty in some houses to a 
degree of luxury, — the condition of poor children 
brought up without learning, and the condition of the 
weakly and aged, who strive to live by their labour, 
have often revived in my mind, as eases of which 
some who live in fulness need to be put in remem- 
brance. 

26* 



306 ON SILENT WORSHIP. 

There are few, if any, who could behold their fel- 
low-creatures lie long in distress and forbear to help 
them, when they could do it without any inconve- 
nience; but customs requiring much labour to support 
them, do often lie heavy on the poor, while they who 
live in these customs are so entangled in a multitude 
of unnecessary concerns, that they think but little of 
the hardships which the poor people go through. 



CHAPTER III. 

On Silent Worship. 

Worship in silence hath often been refreshing to 
my mind, and a care attends me that a young genera- 
tion may feel the nature of this worship. 

Great expense ariseth in relation to that which is 
called divine worship. 

A considerable part of this expense is applied to- 
ward outward greatness, and many poor people in 
raising of tithes, labour in supporting customs contra- 
ry to the simplicity that there is in Christ; toward 
whom my mind hath often been moved with pity. 

In pure silent worship, we dwell under the holy 
anointing, and feel Christ to be our shepherd. 

Here the best of teachers ministers to the several 
conditions of his flock, and the soul receives imme- 
diately from the Divine fountain, that with which it 
is nourished. 

As I have travelled at times where those of other 
societies have attended our meetings, and have per- 
ceived how little some of them knew of the nature of 
silent worship; I have felt tender desires in my heart 
that we who often sit silent in our meetings, may live 
answerable to the nature of an inward fellowship with 
God, that no stumbling-block through us, may be laid 
in their way. 



ON SILENT WORSHIP. 307 

Such is the load of unnecessary expense which lieth 
on that which is called divine service in many places; 
and so much are the minds of many people employed 
in outward forms and ceremonies, that the opening of 
an inward silent worship in this nation to me hath ap- 
peared to be a precious opening. 

Within the last four hundred years, many pious 
people have been deeply exercised in soul on account 
of the superstition which prevailed amongst the pro- 
fessed followers of Christ; and in support of their tes- 
timony against oppressive idolatry, some in several 
ages have finished their course in the flames. 

It appears by the history of the reformation, that 
through the faithfulness of the martyrs, the under- 
standings of many have been opened, and the minds 
of people, from age to age, been more and more pre- 
pared for a real spiritual worship. 

My mind is often affected with a sense of the con- 
dition of those people, who in different ages have been 
meek and patient, following Christ through great af- 
flictions. And while I behold the several steps of 
reformation, and that clearness, to which through Di- 
vine goodness, it hath been brought by our ancestors; 
I feel tender desires that we who sometimes meet in 
silence, may never by our conduct lay stumbling- 
blocks in the way of others, and hinder the progress 
of the reformation in the world. 

It was a complaint against some who were called 
the Lord's people, that they brought polluted bread to 
his altar, and said the table of the Lord was con- 
temptible. 

In real silent worship the soul feeds on that which 
is Divine; but we cannot partake of the table of the 
Lord, and that table which is prepared by the god of 
this world. 

If Christ is our shepherd, and feedeth us, and we 
are faithful in following him, our lives will have an 
inviting language, and the table of the Lord will not 
be polluted. 



AN EPISTLE 



Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends. 

Beloved Friends, — 

Feeling at this time a renewed concern that 
the pure principle of light and life, and the righteous 
fruits thereof may spread and prevail amongst man- 
kind, there is an engagement in my heart to labour 
with my brethren in religious profession, that none 
of us may be a stumbling-block in the way of others; 
but may so walk that our conduct may reach the 
pure witness in the hearts of such who are not in pro- 
fession with us. 

And, dear Friends, while we publicly own that the 
Holy Spirit is our leader, the profession is in itself 
weighty; and the weightiness thereof increaseth, in 
proportion as we are noted among the professors of 
Truth, and active in dealing with such who walk dis- 
orderly. 

Many under our profession, for want of due atten- 
tion, and a perfect resignation to this divine Teacher, 
have in some things manifested a deviation from the 
purity of our religious principles: and these devia- 
tions having crept in amongst us by little and little, 
and increasing from less to greater, have been so far 
unnoticed, that some living in them, have been active 
in putting discipline in practice, with relation to 
others, whose conduct hath appeared more dishonour- 
able in the world. 

Now as my mind hath been exercised before the 
Lord, I have seen, that the discipline of the church 
of Christ standeth in that which is pure; — that it is 
the wisdom from above which gives authority to dis- 
cipline; — and that the weightiness thereof standeth 



AN EPISTLE. 309 

not in any outward circumstances, but in the author- 
ity of Christ, who is the author of it. And where 
any walk after the flesh, and not according to the 
purity of Truth, and at the same time are active in 
putting discipline in practice, a veil is gradually 
drawn over the purity of discipline, and over that 
holiness of life which Christ leads those into "in 
whom the love of God is verily perfected." 1 John 
ii. 5. 

When we labour in true love with offenders, and 
they remain obstinate, it sometimes is necessary to 
proceed as far as our blessed Lord directed: "Let 
him be to thee as an heathen man, or a publican." 
Mat. xviii. 17. 

Now when such are disowned, and they who act 
therein feel Christ made unto them wisdom; and are 
preserved in the meek, restoring spirit, there is no 
just cause of offence ministered to any. But when 
such who are active in dealing with offenders, in- 
dulge themselves in things which are contrary to the 
purity of Truth, and yet judge others whose conduct 
appears more dishonourable than their's; — here the 
pure authority of discipline ceaseth as to such offend- 
ers, and a temptation is laid in their way to wrangle 
and contend. 

"Judge not," said our blessed Lord, "that ye be 
not judged." Now this forbidding alludes to man's 
judgment, and points out the necessity of our hum- 
bly attending to that sanctifying power, under which 
the faithful experience the Lord to be "a spirit of 
judgment to them." Isa. xxviii. 6. And as we feel 
his Holy Spirit to mortify the deeds of the body in 
us, we can say, "it is no more I that live, but Christ 
that liveth in me." Here right judgment is known. 

And while Divine love prevails in our hearts, and 
self in us is brought under judgment, a preparation 
is felt to labour in a right manner with offenders. — 
But if we abide not in this love, our outward perfor- 
mance in dealing with others, degenerates into for- 



310 AN EPISTLE. 

mality: for "this is the love of God, that we keep 
his commandments." 1 John v. 3. 

How weighty are those instructions of our Re- 
deemer concerning religious duties, when he points 
out that they who pray, should be so obedient to the 
teachings of the holy Spirit, that, humbly confiding 
in his help, they may say, Thy name, Father, be 
hallowed! "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done 
on earth as it is in heaven." In this awful state of 
mind, is felt that worship which stands in doing the 
will of God on earth as it is done in heaven, and 
keeping the holy Name sacred. To take a holy pro- 
fession upon us is awful; nor can we keep this holy 
Name sacred, but by humbly abiding under the power 
of the cross of Christ. The apostle made heavy com- 
plaint against some who prophaned this holy Name 
by their manner of living. "Through you," he says, 
"the name of God is blasphemed amongst the Gen- 
tiles." Rom. ii. 24. 

Some of our ancestors, through many tribulations, 
were gathered into the state of true worshippers, and 
had fellowship in that which is pure; and as one was 
inwardly moved to kneel down in their assemblies, 
and publicly call on the name of the Lord, those in 
the harmony of united exercise, then present, joined 
in the prayer. I mention this, in order that we of the 
present age, may look unto the Rock from whence 
we were hewn, and remember that to unite in wor- 
ship is a union in prayer; and that prayer acceptable 
to the Father, is only in a mind truly sanctified, 
where the sacred name is kept holy, and the heart 
resigned to do his will on earth as it is done in hea- 
ven. "If ye abide in me," saith Christ, "and my 
words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will in my 
name, and it shall be done unto you." Now we 
know not what to pray for as we ought, but as the 
holy Spirit doth open and direct our minds; and as 
we faithfully yield to its influences, our prayers are 
in the will of our heavenly Father, who fails not to 



AN EPISTLE. 311 

grant that which his own spirit, through his children, 
asketh. Thus preservation from sin is known, and 
the fruits of righteousness are brought forth by such 
who inwardly unite in prayer. 

How weighty are our solemn meetings when the 
name of Christ taken upon us is kept holy. 

"How precious is that state, in which the children 
of the Lord are so redeemed from the love of this 
world, that they are accepted and blessed in all that 
they do." R. Barclay's Apology, p. 404. 

How necessary is it that we who profess these 
principles, and are outwardly active in supporting 
them, should faithfully abide in Divine strength; that 
as He who hath called us, is holy, so we may be 
holy in all manner of conversation. 1 Pet. i. 15. 

If one professing to be influenced by the Spirit of 
Christ, proposeth to unite in a labour to promote 
righteousness in the earth, and in time past he hath 
manifestedly deviated from the path of equity; then, 
to act consistent with this principle, his first work is 
to make restitution so far as he may be enabled. — 
For, if he attempts to contribute toward a work in- 
tended to promote righteousness, while it appears 
that he neglecteth, or refuseth to act righteously him- 
self, — his conduct herein has a tendency to entangle 
the minds of those who are weak in the faith, who 
behold these things; — and to draw a veil over the 
purity of righteousness, by carrying an appearance as 
though that was righteousness which is not. 

Again, if I propose to assist in supporting those 
doctrines, wherein that purity of life is held forth in 
which customs proceeding from the spirit of this 
world have no place, and at the same time strengthen 
others in those customs by my example; the first step 
then in an orderly proceeding, is to cease from those 
customs myself, and afterwards to labour, as I may 
be enabled, to promote the like disposition and con- 
duct in others. To be convinced of the pure princi- 
ple of Truth, and diligently exercised in walking an- 



312 AN EPISTLE. 

swerable thereto, is necessary, before I can consist- 
ently recommend this principle to others. 

I often feel a labour in spirit, that we who are ac- 
tive members in religious society, may experience in 
ourselves the truth of those expressions of the Holy 
One — "I will be sanctified in them that come nigh 
me." Lev. x. 3. In this cause my mind hath been 
often exercised when alone, year after year, for many 
years; and in the renewings of Divine love, a tender 
care hath been incited in me, that we who profess 
this inward Light to be our teacher, may be a family 
united in that purity of worship, which comprehends 
a holy life, and ministers instruction to others. 

My mind is often drawn towards children who 
have a small share of the things of this life, and who 
coming to have families, may be inwardly exercised 
before the Lord to support therri in a way agreeable 
to the purity of Truth, wherein they may feel his 
blessing upon them in their labours: and the thoughts 
of such being entangled with customs (contrary to 
pure wisdom) conveyed to them through our hands, 
doth often very tenderly and movingly affect my 
heart. And while I look towards my own dissolu- 
tion, and think on the succeeding generation — fervent 
desires are raised in me, that we yielding to that holy 
Spirit which leads into all truth, may not do the work 
of the Lord deceitfully, — may not live contrary to 
the purity of the Divine principle we profess: but 
that, as faithful labourers in our age, we may be in- 
strumental in removing the stumbling-blocks out of 
the way of those who may succeed us. 

Such was the love of Christ, that he gave himself 
for the church, that he might so sanctify and cleanse 
it, that it should be holy, and without blemish, not 
having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing. And 
where any take the name of Christ upon them, and 
profess to be led by his holy Spirit, and yet manifest- 
ly deviate from the purity of Truth; these acting 
herein against the gracious design of his giving him- 



AN EPISTLE. 313 

self for us, do minister cause for the continuation of 
his afflictions. 

Christ suffered afflictions in a body of flesh received 
from the virgin Mary: but the afflictions of Christ are 
yet unfinished: for they who are baptized into Christ 
are baptized into his death; and as we humbly abide 
under the sanctifying power, and come forth in new- 
ness of life, we feel Christ to live in us: and he being 
the same yesterday, to-day, and forever, and always 
at unity with himself, his spirit in the hearts of his 
people leads to an inward exercise for the salvation 
of mankind. And when, under travail of spirit, we 
behold a visited people entangled with that which is 
not of the Father, but of the world, and therein fail 
of being faithful examples to others, — under a sense of 
these things, sorrow and heaviness is often experi- 
enced: and thus, in some measure, is filled up that 
which remains of the afflictions of Christ. 

Our blessed Lord, speaking concerning gifts offered 
in Divine service, says, "If thou bring thy gift to 
the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother 
hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift." He 
saith not, seek reconciliation before thou bringest a 
second gift; but commands a full stop. First go, and 
be reconciled to thy brother. Now there is no true 
unity, but in that wherein the Father and the Son are 
united; nor can there be a perfect reconciliation, but 
in ceasing from that which ministers cause for the 
continuation of the afflictions of Christ. And if any 
proposing to bring their gift to the altar, do remem- 
ber the customary contradiction which some of their 
fruits bear to a pure, spiritual worship; here it appears 
necessary to lay to heart this command, " Leave thy 
gift by the altar." 

Christ graciously calls his people brethren; "who- 
soever shall do the will of God, the same is my bro- 
ther." Now if we walk contrary to the Truth as it 
is in Jesus while we continue to profess it, we offend 
against Christ: and if, under this offence, we bring 
our gift to the altar, our Redeemer doth not direct us 
27 



314 AN EPISTLU. 

to take back our gift; — he doth not discourage us from 
proceeding in a good work; but graciously points out 
the necessary means by which the gift may be render- 
ed acceptable. " Leave," saith he, "thy gift by the 
altar; first go, and be reconciled to thy brother." — 
Cease from that which grieves the holy Spirit; — cease 
from that which is against the Truth as it is in Jesus, 
and then come and offer thy gift. 

I feel, while I am writing, a tenderness toward such, 
who through Divine favour, are preserved in a lively 
feeling of the state of the churches, and who at times 
may be under discouragements with regard to proceed- 
ing in that pure way which Christ by his holy spirit 
leads into. The depth of disorder and weakness which 
so much prevails, being opened, doubtings are apt to 
arise, as to the possibility of proceeding as an assem- 
bly of the Lord's people in the pure counsel of Truth. 
And here 1 feel a concern to express in uprightness, 
that which hath been opened in my mind, under the 
power of the cross of Christ, relating to a gathered 
visible church, the members whereof are guided by 
the holy Spirit. 

This church is called the body of Christ. Col. i. 24. 

Christ is called the head of the church. Eph. i. 22. 

The church is called the pillar and ground of truth. 
1 Tim. iii. 15. 

Thus the church hath a name that is sacred; and the 
necessity of keeping this name holy, appears evident. 
For where a number of people unite in a profession 
of being led by the spirit of Christ, and publish their 
principles to the world, the acts and proceedings of 
that people may in some measure be considered as 
those which Christ is the author of. 

Now while we stand in this station, if the pure light 
of life is not followed in our proceedings, we are in 
the way of profaning the holy Name, and of going 
backward towards that wilderness of sufferings and 
persecution, out of which, through the tender mercies 
of God, a church hath, in great measure, been gather- 
ed. Christ liveth in sanctified vessels. And where 



AN EPISTLE. 315 

they behold this holy Name profaned, and the pure 
gospel light eclipsed, through the unfaithfulness of 
such who by their station appear to be standard-bear- 
ers under the Prince of peace; — these living members 
in the body of Christ, in beholding these things, do 
in some degree experience the fellowship of his suf- 
ferings. xAnd as the wisdom of this world more and 
more takes place in conducting the affairs of this visi- 
ble gathered church, and the pure leadings of the Ho- 
ly Spirit are less waited for and followed; so the true 
suffering seed is more and more oppressed. 

My mind is often affected with a sense of the con- 
dition of sincere-hearted people in some kingdoms 
where liberty of conscience is not allowed; many of 
whom being burdened in their minds with prevailing 
superstition, joined with oppressions, are often under 
sorrow. And where such have attended to that pure 
Light which hath in some degree opened their under- 
standings, and for their faithfulness thereto, have been 
brought to examination and trial, how heavy are the 
persecutions which in divers parts of the world are 
exercised upon them! How mighty, as to the out- 
ward, is that power by which they are borne down 
and oppressed! 

How deeply affecting is the condition of many up- 
right-hearted people who are taken into the papal in- 
quisition! What lamentable cruelties, in deep vaults, 
in a private way, are exercised on many of them! 
And how lingering is that death, by a small slow fire, 
which those have frequently endured, who have been 
faithful to the end! 

How many tender-spirited protestants have been 
sentenced to spend the remainder of their lives in a 
galley chained to oars, under hard-hearted masters; 
while their young children were placed out for educa- 
tion among strangers, and taught principles so contra- 
ry to the consciences of the parents, that in dissent- 
ing from them, they have hazarded their liberty, and 
all that was dear to them of the things of this world? 






316 AN EPISTLE. 

There have been, in times past, severe persecutions 
under the English government; and many sincere- 
hearted people, in different ages, have suffered death 
for the testimony of a good conscience; whose faith- 
fulness in their day hath ministered encouragement 
to others, and been a blessing to many who have suc- 
ceeded them. Thus, from age to age, the darkness 
being more and more removed, a channel at length, 
through the tender mercies of God, hath been opened 
for the exercise of the pure gift of the gospel ministry, 
without interruption from outward power; a work, 
the like of which is rare, and unknown in many parts 
of the world. 

As these things are often fresh in my mind, and 
this great work of God going on in the world has 
been open before me, that liberty of conscience with 
which we are favoured, hath appeared not as a light 
matter. 

A trust is committed to us, a great and weighty 
trust, to which our diligent attention is necessary. — 
Wherever the active members of this visible gathered 
church use themselves to that which is contrary to 
the purity of our principles, it appears to be a breach 
of 'this trust, and one step backwards toward the wil- 
derness; — one step towards undoing what God, in 
infinite love, hath done through his faithful servants, 
in a work of several ages; and is like laying the foun- 
dation for future sufferings. 

I feel a living invitation in my mind to such who 
are active in our religious society, that we may lay to 
heart this matter, and consider the station in which we 
stand. We stand in a place of outward liberty, under 
the free exercise of our conscience towards God, not 
obtained but through great and manifold afflictions of 
those who lived before us. There is gratitude due 
from us to our heavenly Father: there is justice due 
to our posterity. Can our hearts endure, or our hands 
be strong, if we desert a cause so precious; — if we turn 
aside from a work under which so many have patient- 
ly laboured? 



AN EPISTLE. 317 

May the deep sufferings of Christ be so dear to us, 
that we may never trample under foot the adorable 
Son of God, nor count the blood of the covenant 
unholy! 

May the faithfulness of the martyrs, when the 
prospect of death by fire was before them, be remem- 
bered. And may the patient, constant sufferings of 
upright-hearted servants of God in later ages, be re- 
vived in our minds! And may we so follow on to 
know the Lord, that neither the faithful in this age, 
nor those in ages to come, may ever be brought un- 
der sufferings through our sliding back from the 
work of reformation in the world! 

While the active members in the visible gathered 
church, stand upright, and the affairs thereof are 
carried on under the leadings of the Holy Spirit, 
altho' disorders may arise amongst us, and cause 
many exercises to such who feel the care of the 
churches upon them: yet while these continue under 
the weight of the work, and labour in the meekness 
of wisdom for the help of others, the name of Christ 
in the visible gathered church may be kept sacred. 
But while they who are active in the affairs of this 
church, continue in a manifest opposition to the 
purity of our principles; this, as the prophet Isaiah 
expresseth it, is like " as when a standard-bearer 
fainteth." And thus the way opens to great, and 
prevailing degeneracy, and to sufferings for such who 
through the power of Divine love, are separated to 
the gospel of Christ, and cannot unite with any thing 
which stands in opposition to the purity of it. 

The necessity of an inward stillness, hath, under 
these exercises, appeared clear to my mind. In true 
silence strength is renewed; the mind herein is wean- 
ed from all things, but as they may be enjoyed in 
the Divine will; and a lowliness in outward living, 
opposite to worldly honour, becomes truly acceptable 
•to us. In the desire after outward gain, the mind is 
prevented from a perfect attention to the voice of 
€hrist; but in the weaning of the mind from all 
27* 



318 AN EPISTLE. 

things, but as they may be enjoyed in the Divine 
will, the pure light shines into the soul. And where 
the fruits of that spirit which is of this world, are 
brought forth by many who profess to be led by the 
spirit of Truth, and cloudiness is felt to be gathering 
over the visible gathered church, — the sincere in 
heart who abide in true stillness, and therein are 
exercised before the Lord for his name's sake; — have 
a knowledge of Christ in the fellowship of his suffer- 
ings; and inward thankfulness is felt, at times, that 
thro' Divine love our own wisdom is cast out, and 
that forward active part in us subjected, which would 
rise up and do something in the visible gathered 
church without the pure leadings of the Spirit of 
Christ. 

While aught remains in us different from a perfect 
resignation of our wills, it is like a seal to a book 
wherein is written that good, and acceptable, and 
perfect will of God "concerning us." But when our 
minds entirely yield to Christ, that silence is known, 
which followeth the opening of the last of the seals. 
Rev. viii. 1. In this silence we learn a patient abid- 
ing in the Divine will, and there feel, that we have 
no cause to promote but that only in which the light 
of life directs us in our proceedings; and that the 
only way to be useful in the church of Christ, is to 
abide faithfully under the leadings of his holy spirit 
in all cases: that therein being preserved in purity of 
heart and holiness of conversation, a testimony to the 
purity of his government may be held forth through 
us to others. 

As my mind hath been thus exercised, I have seen 
that to be active and busy in the visible gathered 
church, without the leadings of the Holy Spirit, is 
not only unprofitable, but tends to increase dimness; 
and where way is not opened to proceed in the light 
of Truth, a stop is felt by those who humbly attend 
to the Divine leader: — a stop, which in relation to 
good order in the visible gathered church, is of the 
greatest consequence to be observed. Thus, Robert 



AN EPISTLE. 319 

Barclay in his treatise on discipline holds forth, 
"That the judgment or conclusion of the church or 
congregation, is no further effectual as to the true end 
and design thereof, but as such judgment or conclu- 
sion proceeds from the Spirit of God operating on 
their minds who are sanctified in Christ Jesus." p. 
65. 68. S4. 

Now in this stop I have learned the necessity of 
waiting on the Lord in humility, that the works of 
all may be brought to light, and those brought to 
judgment which are wrought in the wisdom of this 
world. And I have seen, that in a mind thoroughly 
subjected to the power of the cross, there is a savour 
of life which may be felt, and which evidently tends 
to gather souls to God; while the greatest works in 
the visible gathered church, brought forth in man's 
wisdom, remain to be unprofitable. 

Where people are divinely gathered into a holy 
fellowship, and faithfully abide under the influence 
of that Spirit which leads into all truth, they are the 
light of the world. Now, holding this profession, 
to me hath appeared weighty, even weighty beyond 
what I can fully express; and what our blessed Lord 
appears to have had in view, when he proposed the 
necessity of counting the cost, before we begin to 
build. 

I trust there are many who, at times, under Divine 
visitation, feel an inward inquiry after God; and 
when such, in the simplicity of their hearts, mark 
the lives of a people who profess to walk by the 
leadings of his Spirit, of what great concernment it 
is that our lights shine clear; — that nothing pertain- 
ing to us carry a contradiction to the Truth as it is in 
Jesus, or be a means of profaning the holy Name, 
and a stumbling-block in the way of those sincere 
inquirers. 

When such seekers who wearied with empty forms, 
look towards uniting with us as a people, and behold 
active members amongst us in their customary way 
of living, depart from that purity of life, which un- 



320 AN EPISTLE. 

der humbling exercises hath been opened before them, 
as the way of the Lord's people; — how mournful and 
discouraging is the prospect! and how strongly doth 
such unfaithfulness operate against the spreading of 
the peaceable, harmonious principle and testimony of 
Truth amongst mankind? 

In entering into that life which is hid with Christ 
in God, we behold the peaceable government of 
Christ, where the whole family are governed by the 
same spirit; and the doing to others as we would 
they should do unto us, groweth up as good fruit 
from a good tree. The peace, the quietness, and 
harmonious walking in this government, is beheld 
with humble reverence to him who is the author of 
it; and in partaking of the spirit of Christ, we par- 
take of that which labours, and suffers for the in- 
crease of this peaceable government among the in- 
habitants of the world. And I have felt a labour of 
long continuance, that we who profess this peaceable 
principle, may be faithful standard-bearers under the 
Prince of peace; and that nothing of a defiling na- 
ture, tending to discord and wars, may remain 
amongst us. 

May each of us query with ourselves, have the 
treasures I possess, been gathered in that wisdom 
which is from above, so far as hath appeared to me? 

Have none of my fellow-creatures an equitable 
right to any part of that which is called mine? 

Have the gifts and possessions received by me 
from others, been conveyed in a way free from all 
unrighteousness, so far as I have seen? 

The principle of peace, in which our trust is only 
in God, and our minds weaned from a dependance on 
the strength of armies, — to me hath appeared very 
precious; and I often feel strong desires that we who 
profess this principle, may so walk as to give just 
cause for none of our fellow-creatures to be offended 
at us; — that our lives may evidently manifest that we 
are redeemed from that spirit in which wars are. 
Our blessed Lord, in pointing out the danger of so 



AN EPISTLE. 321 

leaning on man as to neglect the leadings of the Holy 
Spirit, said, "Call no man your father upon the earth; 
for one is your Father which is in heaven." Where 
the wisdom from above is faithfully followed, and 
therein we are entrusted with substance, it is a trea- 
sure committed to our care in the nature of an inheri- 
tance; — as an inheritance from him who formed and 
supports the world. Now in this condition, the true 
enjoyment of the good things of this life is understood, 
and that blessing felt, in which is real safety. This 
is what our blessed Lord appears to have had in view, 
when he said, Blessed are the meek, for they shall 
inherit the earth. 

Selfish men may hold lands in the selfish spirit, and 
depending on outward power, be perplexed with se- 
cret uneasiness, lest the injured should some time 
overpower them, and that measure be meted to them, 
which they measure to others. Thus selfish men may 
possess the earth; but it is the meek who inherit the 
earth, — who enjoy it as an inheritance from their 
heavenly Father, free from all the defilements and 
perplexities of unrighteousness. 

Where proceedings have been in that wisdom 
which is from beneath, and unequitable gain gather- 
ed by a man, and left as a gift to his children, who 
being entangled with the worldly spirit, have not at- 
tained to that clearness of light in which the channels 
of righteousness are opened, and justice done to those 
who remain silent under injuries; — here 1 have seen 
under humbling exercises of mind, that the sins of the 
fathers are embraced by the children, and become 
their sins; and thus in the days of tribulation, the in- 
iquities of the fathers are visited upon these children, 
who take hold on the unrighteousness of their fathers, 
and live in that spirit in which those iniquities were 
committed. To which agreeth that prophecy of Mo- 
ses, concerning a rebellious people: "They that are 
left of you shall pine away in their iniquities, in your 
enemy's land; and in the iniquities of their fathers 
shall they pine away." And our blessed Lord, in 



322 AN EPISTLE. 

beholding the hardness of heart in that generation, 
and feeling in himself that they lived in the same 
spirit in which the prophets had been persecuted un- 
to death, signified that the blood of all the prophets 
shed from the foundation of the world, should be re- 
quired of that generation; from the blood of Abel, 
unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between 
the altar and the temple. 

Tender compassion fills my heart toward my fellow- 
creatures estranged from the harmonious government 
of the Prince of peace; and a labour attends me, that 
they may be gathered to this peaceable habitation. 

In being inwardly prepared to suffer adversity for 
Christ's sake, and weaned from a dependance on the 
arm of flesh, we feel that there is a rest for the peo- 
ple of God; and that this rest stands in a perfect re- 
signation of ourselves to his will. This condition, 
where all our wants and desires are bounded by pure 
wisdom, and our minds wholly attentive to the inward 
counsel of Christ, hath appeared to me as a habitation 
of safety for the Lord's people, in times of outward 
commotion and trouble; and desires from the fountain 
of pure love, are opened in me, to invite my brethren 
and fellow-creatures to feel for, and seek after, that 
which gathers the mind into it. 

JOHN WOOLMAN. 

Mount Holly, New Jersey, ) 
4th month, 1772. { 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR: 

OR 

A WORD OF REMEMBRANCE AND CAUTION 
TO THE RICH. 

CHAPTER I. 

Wealth, desired for its own sake, obstructs the in- 
crease of virtue; and large possessions in the hands of 
selfish men have a bad tendency; for, by their means, 
too small a number of people are employed in things 
useful; and therefore some of them are necessitated 
to labour too hard, while others would want business 
to earn their bread, were not employments invented, 
which, having no real usefulness, serve only to please 
the vain mind. 

Rents set on lands, are often so high, that persons 
who have but small substance are straitened in taking 
farms; and while tenants are healthy, and prosperous 
in business, they often find occasion to labour harder 
than was intended by our gracious Creator. 

Oxen and horses are often seen at work, when thro J 
heat, and too much labour, their eyes, and the emo- 
tions of their bodies, manifest that they are oppress- 
ed. Their loads in wagons are frequently so heavy, 
that when weary with hauling them far, their drivers 
find occasion in going up hills, or through mire, to 
raise their spirits by whipping, to get forward. — 
Many poor people are so thronged in their business, 
that it is difficult for them to provide shelter suitable 
for their cattle and other animals, against the storms. 
These things are common, when in health; but thro' 
sickness and inability to labour; through loss of crea- 
tures, and miscarriage in business, many are so strait- 



324 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

ened; so much of their increase goes to pay rent or 
interest, that they have not wherewith to buy what 
their case requires. 

Hence, one poor woman, in attending on her chil- 
dren, providing for her family, and helping the sick; 
does as much business as would, for the time, be suit- 
able employment for two or three; and honest per- 
sons are often straitened, to give their children suit- 
able learning. 

The money which the wealthy receive from the 
poor, who do more than a proper share of business 
in raising it, is frequently paid to other poor people, 
for doing business which is foreign to the true use of 
things. 

Men who have large possessions, and live in the 
spirit of charity; — who carefully inspect the circum- 
stances of those who occupy their estates, and, re- 
gardless of the customs of the times, regulate their 
demands agreeably to universal love: these, by being 
righteous on principle, do good to the poor, without 
placing it to an act of bounty. Their example, in 
avoiding superfluities, tends to incite others to mod- 
eration; their goodness, in not exacting what the laws 
or customs would support them in, tends to open the 
channel to moderate labour in useful affairs, and to 
discourage those branches of business which have not 
their foundation in true wisdom. 

To be busied in that which is but vanity, and 
serves only to please the unstable mind, tends to an 
alliance with those who promote that vanity, and is 
a snare in which many poor tradesmen are entangled. 

To be employed in things connected with virtue, 
is most agreeable with the character and inclinations 
of an honest man. 

While industrious, frugal people are borne down 
with poverty, and oppressed with too much labour in 
useful things; the way to apply money, without pro- 
moting pride and vanity, remains open to such who 
truly sympathize with them in their various difficul- 
ties. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 325 



CHAPTER II. 

The Creator of the earth is the owner of it. He 
gave us being thereon, and our nature requires nour- 
ishment, which is the produce of it. As he is kind 
and merciful to his creatures; while we live answer- 
able to the design of our creation, we are so far en- 
titled to a convenient subsistence, that no man may 
justly deprive us of it. 

By the agreements and contracts of our fathers 
and predecessors, and by doings and proceedings of 
our own, some claim a much greater share of this 
world, than others: and while those possessions are 
faithfully improved to the good of the whole, it con- 
sists with equity. But he who, with a view to self- 
exaltation, causeth some, with their domestic animals, 
to labour immoderately; and, with the monies arising 
to him therefrom, employs others in the luxuries of 
life, — acts contrary to the gracious designs of Him 
who is the true owner of the earth; nor can any pos- 
sessions, either acquired or derived from ancestors, 
justify such conduct. 

Goodness remains to be goodness, and the direction 
of pure wisdom is obligatory on all reasonable crea- 
tures: so that laws and customs are no further a stand- 
ard for our proceedings, than as their foundation is 
in universal righteousness. 

Though the poor occupy our estates by a bargain, 
to which they in their poor circumstances agreed; 
and we ask even less than a punctual fulfilling of 
their agreement; yet, if our views are to lay up rich- 
es, or to live in conformity to customs which have 
not their foundation in the Truth, and our demands 
are such as require greater toil, or application to bu- 
siness in them, than is consistent with pure love, — 
we invade their rights as inhabitants of that world, of 
which a good and gracious God is proprietor, under 
whom we are tenants. 
28 



326 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

Were all superfluities, and the desire of outward 
greatness laid aside, and the right use of things uni- 
versally attended to, such a number of people might 
be employed in things useful, as that moderate labour, 
with the blessing of heaven, would answer all good 
purposes relating to people and their animals, and a 
sufficient number have time to attend on the proper 
affairs of civil society, 



CHAPTER III. 

While our strength and spirits are lively, we go 
cheerfully through business. Either too much or too 
little action is tiresome; but a right portion is health- 
ful to our bodies, and agreeable to an honest mind. 

Where men have great estates, they stand in a 
place of trust. To have it in their power, without 
difficulty, to live in that fashion which occasions 
much labour, and at the same time, to confine them- 
selves to that use of things prescribed by the Redeem- 
er, and confirmed by his example, and the examples 
of many who lived in the early age of the christian 
church, that they may more extensively relieve ob- 
jects of charity; — for men who have great estates, to 
live thus, requires close attention to Divine love. 

Our gracious Creator cares and provides for all his 
creatures: his tender mercies are over all his works. 
And so far as his love influences our minds, so far we 
become interested in his workmanship; and feel a de- 
sire to make use of every opportunity to lessen the 
distresses of the afflicted, and increase the happiness 
of the creation. Here we have a prospect of one 
common interest from which our own is inseparable; 
so that to turn all the treasures we possess into the 
channel of universal love, becomes the business of 
our lives. 

Men of large estates, whose hearts are thus en- 
larged, are like fathers to the poor; and in looking 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 327 

over their brethren in distressed circumstances, and 
considering their own more easy condition, they find 
a field for humble meditation, and feel the strength 
of those obligations they are under, to be kind and 
tender-hearted toward them. Poor men eased of their 
burdens, and released from too close an application to 
business, are enabled to hire assistance, to provide 
well for their animals, and find time to perform those 
duties amongst their neighbours, which belong to a 
well guided social life. 

When these reflect on the opportunity those had 
to oppress them, and consider the goodness of their 
conduct, they behold it lovely, and consistent with 
brotherhood. And, as the man whose mind is con- 
formed to universal love, hath his trust settled in 
God, and finds a firm foundation to stand upon, in 
any changes or revolutions that happen amongst men; 
so also, the goodness of his conduct tends to spread a 
kind, benevolent disposition in the world. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Our blessed Redeemer, in directing us how to con- 
duct ourselves one towards another, appeals to our own 
feelings: " Whatsoever ye would that men should do 
to you, do ye even so to them." Now where some 
who have never had experience of hard labour them- 
selves, live in fulness on the labour of others; there is 
often a danger of their not having a right feeling of 
the labourer's condition; and therefore of being dis- 
qualified to judge candidly in their case; not knowing 
what they themselves would desire, were they to la- 
bour hard from one year to another, to raise the ne- 
cessaries of life, and to pay high rents besides. It is 
good for those who live in fulness, to labour for ten- 
derness of heart, and to improve every opportunity 
of being acquainted with the hardships and fatigues of 
those who labour for their living, and think seriously 



328 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

with themselves, Am I influenced by true charity in 
fixing all my demands? Have I no desire to support 
myself in expensive customs, because my acquaint- 
ances live in those customs? Were I to labour as they 
do, toward supporting them and their children in a 
station like mine, in such sort as they and their chil- 
dren labour for us, — could I not on such a change, 
before I entered into agreements of rent or interest, 
name some costly articles now used by me, or in my 
family, which have no real use in them, the expense 
whereof might be lessened? and should I not, in such 
case, strongly desire the disuse of those needless arti- 
cles, that, less answering their way of life, the terms 
might be easier to me? 

If a wealthy man, on serious reflection, finds a wit- 
ness in his own conscience, that there are some ex- 
penses which he indulgeth himself in, that are in 
conformity to customs which might be omitted, con- 
sistent with the true design of living; and which, was 
he to change places with those who occupy his estate, 
he would desire to be discontinued by them; whoever 
are thus awakened to their feelings, will necessarily 
find the injunction binding on them: "Do thou even 
so to them." 

Divine love imposeth no rigorous or unreasonable 
commands; but graciously points out the spirit of bro- 
therhood and the way to happiness, in attaining to 
which, it is necessary that we go forth out of all that 
is selfish. 



CHAPTER V. 

To pass through a series of hardships, and to lan- 
guish under oppression, brings people to a certain 
knowledge of these things. To enforce the duty of 
tenderness to the poor, the inspired law-giver referred 
the children of Israel to their own past experience; 
"Ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 329 

strangers in the land of Egypt." He who hath been 
a stranger amongst unkind people, or under their gov- 
ernment who were hard-hearted, knows how it feels: 
but a person who hath never felt the weight of mis- 
applied power, comes not to this knowledge, but by 
an inward tenderness, in which the heart is prepared 
to sympathize with others. 

We may reflect on the condition of a poor innocent 
man, who, by his labour, contributes towards support- 
ing one of his own species, more wealthy than him- 
self; — on whom the rich man, from a desire after 
wealth and luxuries, lays heavy burdens. When this 
labourer looks over the cause of his heavy load, and 
considers that this great toil and fatigue is laid on him 
to support that which hath no foundation in pure wis- 
dom, we may well suppose, that there ariseth an un- 
easiness in his mind towards those who might, with- 
out any inconvenience, deal more favourably with 
him. When he considers that by his industry his 
fellow-creature is benefited, and sees that this man 
who hath much wealth, is not satisfied with being 
supported in a plain way; but, to gratify a wrong de- 
sire, and conform to wrong customs, increaseth to an 
extreme the labours of those who occupy his estate; 
we may reasonably judge, that he will think himself 
unkindly used. When he considers that the proceed- 
ings of the wealthy are agreeable to the customs of the 
times, and sees no means of redress in this world; how 
would the sighings of this innocent person ascend to 
the throne of that great, good Being, who created us 
all, and hath a constant care over his creatures! 

By candidly considering these things, we may have 
some sense of the condition of innocent people, over- 
loaded by the wealthy. But he who toils, one year 
after another, to furnish others with wealth and super- 
fluities; who labours and thinks, and thinks and la- 
bours; until, by overmuch labour, he is wearied and 
oppressed: such an one understands the meaning of 
that language; "Ye know the heart of a stranger, see- 
ing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." 
28* 



330 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

As many at this day, who know not the heart of a 
stranger, indulge themselves in ways of life which 
occasion more labour than infinite Goodness intends 
for man, and yet are compassionate toward such in 
distress as come directly under their observation; 
were these to change circumstances awhile, with some 
who labour for them; — were they to pass regularly 
through the means of knowing the heart of a stranger, 
and come to a feeling knowledge of the straits and 
hardships which many poor innocent people pass 
through, in a hidden obscure life; — were these who 
now fare sumptuously every day, to act the other part 
of the scene, until seven times had passed over them, 
and return again to their former estates; — I believe 
many of them would embrace a way of life less ex- 
pensive, and lighten the heavy burdens of some who 
now labour out of their sight to support them, and 
pass through straits with which they are but little 
acquainted. 

To see our fellow-creatures under difficulties, to 
which we are in no degree accessary, tends to awaken 
tenderness in the minds of all reasonable people; but 
if we consider the condition of those who are depress- 
ed in answering our demands, who labour out of our 
sight, and are often toiling for us while we pass our 
time in fulness; — if we consider that much less than 
we demand would supply us with all things really 
needful; what heart will not relent! or what reasona- 
ble man can refrain from mitigating that grief, which 
he himself is the cause of, when he may do it without 
inconvenience! 



CHAPTER VI. 

People, much spent with much labour, often take 
strong liquor to revive them. The portion of the 
necessaries of life, answerable to a day's work, is 
such, that those who support their families by day la- 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 331 

bour, find occasion to labour hard, and many of them 
think strong drink a necessary part of their enter- 
tainment. 

Were there more men usefully employed, and few- 
er who eat bread as a reward for doing that which is 
not useful, then food and raiment would, on a rea- 
sonable estimate, be more in proportion to labour, than 
what it is at present; for, if four men working eight 
hours in the day, can do any portion of labour, in a 
certain number of days; then five men, equally capa- 
ble, may do the same business, in the same time, and 
work only six hours and twenty-four minutes in the 
day. In proceeding agreeably to sound wisdom, a 
small portion of daily labour might suffice, to keep a 
proper stream gently circulating through all the chan- 
nels of society; and this portion of labour might be so 
divided, and taken in the most advantageous parts of 
the day, that people would not have that plea for the 
use of strong liquors, which they have at present. — 
The quantity of spirituous liquors imported and made 
in our country, is great; nor can so many thousand 
hogsheads of this liquor be drunk every year in our 
country, without having a powerful effect on our 
manners. 

When people are spent with action, and take these 
liquors, not only as a refreshment from past labours, 
but also to support them to go on, without nature 
having a sufficient time to recruit, by resting; it gra- 
dually turns them from that calmness of thought, 
which attends those who steadily apply their hearts 
to true wisdom. That the animal spirits, being ex- 
hausted by too much bodily motion, and again reviv- 
ed by strong drink, makes a person unfit for serious 
thinking and divine meditation, — I suppose will not 
be denied: and as multitudes of people are in this 
practice, who do not take so much as to hinder them 
from managing their outward affairs, this custom is 
strongly supported. But as, through Divine good- 
ness, I have found that there is a more quiet, calm, 



332 A PLEA TOR THE POOR. 

and happy way, intended for us to walk in, I am en- 
gaged to express what I feel in my heart concerning it. 

As cherishing the spirit of love and meekness, be- 
longs to the family of Jesus Christ, and is our duty; 
so, to avoid those things which we know work against 
it, is an indispensable duty, also. Every degree of 
luxury, of what kind soever, — and every demand for 
money inconsistent with Divine order, hath some con- 
nexion with unnecessary labour. By too much labour 
the spirits are exhausted; and people crave help from 
strong drink; and the frequent use of strong drink, 
works in opposition to the celestial influence of the 
holy spirit on the mind. 

This is plain, when men take so much as to suspend 
the use of their reason: and though there are degrees 
of this opposition, and a man quite drunk may be fur- 
thest removed from that frame of mind in which God 
is acceptably worshipped; yet a person being often 
nearly spent with too much action, and revived by 
spirituous liquors, without being quite drunk, — inures 
himself to that which is a less degree of the same 
thing; and which, by long continuance thereof, must 
necessarily hurt both mind and body. There is in 
the nature of people, some degree of likeness with 
that food and air, to which they, from their youth, 
have been accustomed. This frequently appears in 
such who, by a separation from their native air and 
usual diet, grow weak and unhealthy for want of them. 
Nor is it reasonable to suppose, that so many thousand 
hogsheads of this fiery liquor can be drunk by us eve- 
ry year, and the practice continued from age to age, 
without altering, in some degree, the natures of men, 
and rendering their minds less apt to receive the pure 
Truth in the love of it. 

As many, who manifest some regard to piety, do 
yet, in degree, conform to those ways of living, and 
of collecting wealth, which increase labour beyond 
the bounds fixed by Divine wisdom; my desire is, 
that they may so consider the connexion of things, as 
to take heed, lest by exacting of poor men more than 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 333 

is consistent with universal righteousness, they pro- 
mote that by their conduct, which in words they 
speak against. 

To treasure up wealth for another generation, by 
means of the immoderate labour of those who in 
some measure depend upon us, — is doing evil at pre- 
sent, without knowing but that our wealth, thus ga- 
thered, may be applied to evil purposes when we are 
gone. To labour too hard, or cause others to do so, 
that we may live conformably to customs which 
Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, contradicted by his ex- 
ample in the days of his flesh, and which are contra- 
ry to Divine order, — is to manure a soil for propa- 
gating an evil seed in the earth. 

They who enter deep into these considerations, and 
live under the weight of them, will feel these things 
so heavy, and their ill effects so extensive, that the 
necessity of attending singly to Divine wisdom, will 
be evident; thereby to be directed in the right use of 
things, in opposition to the customs of the times, — 
and supported to bear patiently the reproaches attend- 
ing singularity 

To conform a little to a wrong way, strengthens 
the hands of those who carry wrong customs to their 
utmost extent; and the more a person appears to be 
virtuous and heavenly-minded, the more powerfully 
does his conformity operate in favour of evil doers. 
Lay aside the profession of a pious life, and people 
expect little or no instruction from the example; but 
while we profess, in all cases, to live in constant op- 
position to that which is contrary to universal righ- 
teousness, — what expressions are equal to the subject? 
or what language is sufficient to set forth the strength 
of those obligations we are under, to beware, lest, by 
our example, we lead others wrong? 



334 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 



CHAPTER VII. 



In our care for our children, should we give way 
to partiality in things relating to what may be when 
we are gone; yet after death, we cannot look on par- 
tiality with pleasure. 

If, by our wealth we make them great, without a 
full persuasion that we could not bestow it better, 
and thus give them power to deal hardly with others 
more virtuous than they; it can, after death, give us 
no more satisfaction, than if by this treasure we had 
raised these others above our own, and given them 
power to oppress them. 

Did a man possess as much good land as would 
well suffice for twenty industrious, frugal people, and 
supposing that he was lawful heir to it, intended to 
give this great estate to his children; but found, on 
research into the title, that one half of this estate was 
the undoubted property of a number of poor orphans, 
who, as to virtue and understanding, to him appear- 
ed as hopeful as his own children: this discovery 
would give him an opportunity to consider whether 
he was attached to any interest, distinct from the in- 
terest of those orphans. 

Some of us have estates sufficient for our children, 
and as many more, to live upon, did they all employ 
their time in useful business, and live in that plain- 
ness consistent with the character of true disciples of 
Christ: and we have no reason to believe, that our 
children after us will apply them to benevolent pur- 
poses, more than some poor children whom we are 
acquainted with, would, if they had them; and yet, 
did we believe that after our decease, these estates 
would go equally among our children, and an equal 
number of those poor children, it would be likely to 
give us uneasiness. 

This may show to a thoughtful person, that to be 
redeemed from all the remains of selfishness, — to have 
an universal regard to our fellow-creatures, and love 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR* 335 

them as our heavenly Father loves them, — we must 
constantly attend to the influence of his spirit. 

When our hearts are enlarged to contemplate the 
nature of this Divine love, we behold it harmonious: 
but if we attentively consider that moving of selfish- 
ness, which would make us uneasy at the apprehen- 
sion of that which is in itself reasonable; and which, 
being separated from all previous conceptions and ex- 
pectations, will appear so, — we may see an inconsis- 
tency in it: for the subject of such uneasiness is in 
future, and would not affect our children, until we 
are removed into that state of being, where there is 
no possibility of our taking delight in any thing con- 
trary to the pure principle of universal love. 

As that natural desire of superiority in us, being 
given way to, extends to such of our favourites who 
we expect will succeed us; and, as the grasping after 
wealth and power for them, adds greatly to the bur- 
dens of the poor, and increaseth the evil of covetous- 
ness in this age; I have often desired in secret, that, 
in looking toward posterity, we may remember the 
purity of that rest which is prepared for the Lord's 
people; — the impossibility of our taking pleasure in 
any thing distinguishable from universal righteous- 
ness; — and how vain and weak a thing it is to give 
wealth and power to those who appear unlikely to 
apply it to a general good when we are gone. 

As christians, all we possess are the gifts of God to 
us: now in distributing it to others, we act as his stew- 
ards; and it becomes our station, to act agreeably to 
that Divine wisdom which he graciously gives to his 
servants. 

If the steward of a great family, from a selfish at- 
tachment to particulars, takes that with which he is 
entrusted, and bestows it lavishly on some, to the in- 
jury of others, and to the damage of him who em- 
ploys him, he degrades himself, and becomes unwor- 
thy of that office. 

The true felicity of man in this life, and that which 
is to come, is in being inwardly united to the foun- 



336 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

tain of universal love and bliss. When we provide 
for posterity, and make settlements which will not 
take effect until after we are centred in another state 
of being: if we therein, knowingly act contrary to 
universal love and righteousness, such conduct must 
arise from a false, selfish pleasure: and if we, after 
such settlement, and when too late for an alteration, 
attain to that purified state which Jesus Christ pray- 
ed his Father that the people might attain to, of be- 
ing united to the Father, and to the Son; must not a 
sincere repentance for all things done in a will sep- 
arate from universal love, precede this inward sancti- 
fication? And though, in such depth of repentance 
and reconciliation, all sins are forgiven, — can we rea- 
sonably suppose, that our partial determinations in 
favour of those whom we loved in a selfish love, will 
then afford us pleasure ? And if, after such selfish 
settlements, our wills continue to stand in opposition 
to the fountain of universal light and love, — will 
there not be an unpassable gulf between the soul and 
true felicity? 



CHAPTER VIII. 

To labour for an establishment in Divine love, 
where the mind is disentangled from the power of 
darkness, is the great business of man's life. The col- 
lecting of riches, covering the body with fine wrought, 
costly apparel, and having magnificent furniture, — 
operate against universal love, and tend to feed self; 
so that it belongs not to the children of the light to 
desire these things. 

He who sent ravens to feed Elijah in the wilder- 
ness, and increased the poor widow's small remains 
of meal and oil, is now as attentive to the necessities 
of his people as ever. 

When he saith unto his people, "Ye are my sons 
and daughters;" no greater happiness can be desired 
by them who know how gracious a Father he is. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 337 

The greater part of the necessaries of life, are so 
far perishable, that each generation hath occasion to 
labour for them. And when we look toward a suc- 
ceeding age, with a mind influenced by universal 
love, instead of endeavouring to exempt some from 
those cares which necessarily relate to this life, and 
give them power to oppress others, — we desire that 
they may all be the Lord's children, and live in that 
humility and order becoming his family: our hearts 
being thus opened and enlarged, we feel content in a 
use of things, as foreign to luxury and grandeur as 
that which the Redeemer laid down as a pattern. 

By desiring wealth for the power and distinction 
it gives, and gathering it on this motive, a person 
may become rich: but his mind, herein, being moved 
by a draught distinguishable from the drawings of 
the Father, he cannot be united to the heavenly so- 
ciety where God is the strength of their life, before 
he is delivered from this contrary drawing. 

"It is easier," saith our blessed Lord, "for a camel 
to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man 
to enter irfto the kingdom of God." Here, he uses 
an instructive similitude ; for, as a camel, while in 
that form, cannot pass through the eye of a needle; 
so, a man who trusteth in riches, and holds them for 
the sake of the power and distinction attending them, 
cannot, in that spirit, enter into the kingdom. Now, 
every part of a camel may be so reduced, as to pass 
through a hole as small as the eye of a needle; yet, 
such is the bulk of the creature, and the hardness of 
its bones and teeth, that it could not be completed 
without much labour: so man must cease from that 
spirit which craves riches, and be reduced into ano- 
ther disposition, before he inherits the kingdom, as 
effectually as a camel must be changed from the form 
of a camel, in passing through the eye of a needle. 

When our blessed Lord said to the rich youth, "Go 
sell that thou hast, and give to the poor;" though un- 
doubtedly it was his duty to do so; yet, to enjoin this 
29 



338 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

of selling all as a duty on every true christian, would 
be to limit the Holy One. 

Obedient children who are intrusted with much 
outward substance, wait for wisdom to dispose of it 
agreeably to His will, " in whom the fatherless find 
mercy." It may not be the duty of every one to 
commit, at once, their substance to other hands; but 
rather, from time to time, to look round amongst the 
numerous branches of the great family, as the stew- 
ards of him who provides for the widows and the 
fatherless; and as disciples of Christ, however intrust- 
ed with much goods, they may not conform to sump- 
tuous or luxurious living. For, as he lived in perfect 
plainness and simplicity, the greatest in his family 
cannot, by virtue of his station, claim a right to live 
in worldly grandeur, without contradicting his doc- 
trine, who said, "It is enough for the disciple to be 
as his master." 



CHAPTER IX. 

When our eyes are so single as to discern the self- 
ish spirit clearly, we behold it the greatest of all 
tyrants. Many thousand innocent people, under some 
of the Roman emperors, being confirmed in the truth 
of Christ's religion, from the powerful effects of his 
holy spirit upon them, and scrupling to conform to 
heathenish rites, were therefore, by various kinds of 
cruel and lingering torments, put to death; as is large- 
ly set forth by Eusebius. 

Now, if we single out Domitian, Nero, or any other 
of the persecuting emperors, the man, though terrible 
in his time, will appear as a tyrant of small conse- 
quence, compared with this selfish spirit: for, though 
his bounds were large, yet a great part of the world 
was out of his reach; and though he grievously afflict- 
ed the bodies of those innocent people, yet the minds 
of many were divinely supported in their greatest 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 339 

agonies; and being faithful unto death, they were de- 
livered from his tyranny. 

His reign, though cruel for a time, was soon over; 
and he, considered in his greatest pomp, appears to 
have been a slave to the selfish spirit. Thus tyranny, 
as applied to a man, rises up and soon has an end. — 
But if we consider the numerous oppressions in many 
states, and ihe calamities occasioned by nation con- 
tending with nation, in various parts and ages of the 
world, and remember that selfishness hath been the 
original cause of them all; — if we consider that those 
who are unredeemed from this selfish spirit, not only 
afflict others, but are afflicted themselves, and have no 
real quietness in this life, nor in futurity; but, accord- 
ing to the saying of Christ, have their portion in that 
painful condition, "where the worm dieth not, and the 
fire is not quenched:" — If we consider the havock 
that is made in this age, and how numbers of the peo- 
ple are hurried on, striving to collect treasures to 
please that mind which wanders from perfect resign- 
edness; and, in that wisdom which is foolishness with 
God, are perverting the true use of things, labouring 
as in the fire, contending with one another, even unto 
blood, and exerting their power to support ways of 
living, foreign to the life of one wholly crucified to 
the world: — 

If we consider what great numbers of people are 
employed in preparing the articles of war, and the 
labour and toil of armies, set apart for protecting their 
respective territories from the incursions of others, — 
and the extensive miseries which attend their engage- 
ments: — while they who till the land, and are em- 
ployed in other useful things in supporting them- 
selves, supporting those employed in military affairs, 
and also those who own the soil, have great hardships 
to encounter, through too much labour; while others, 
in several kingdoms, are busied in fetching men to 
help to labour, from distant parts of the world, to 
spend the remainder of their lives in the uncomforta- 
ble condition of slaves; — and that self is at the bottom 



340 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

of these proceedings: — Amidst all this confusion, and 
these scenes of sorrow and distress, can we remember 
the Prince of peace, — remember that we are his dis- 
ciples, and remember that example of humility and 
plainness which he set for us, without feeling; an 
earnest desire to be disentangled from every thing 
connected with selfish customs, in food, in raiment, 
in houses, and all things else? So that, being of 
Christ's family, and walking as he walked, we may 
stand in that uprightness wherein man was first made, 
and have no fellowship with those inventions which 
men in their fallen wisdom have sought out. 

In the selfish spirit standeth idolatry. Did the bless- 
ed Redeemer enable his family to endure great re- 
proaches, and suffer cruel torments, even unto death, 
for their testimony against the idolatry of those times? 
And can we behold the prevalence of idolatry, though 
under a different appearance, without being jealous 
over ourselves, lest we unwarily join in it? 

Those faithful martyrs refused to cast incense into 
the fire, though by doing it, they might have escaped 
a cruel death. Casting sweet-scented matter into the 
fire to make a comfortable smell, considered separate 
from all circumstances, would appear to be of small 
consequence: but as they would thereby have signi- 
fied their approbation of idolatry, it was necessarily 
refused by the faithful. Nor can we, in any degree, 
depart from pure universal righteousness, and publicly 
continue in that which is not agreeable to the Truth, 
without strengthening the hands of the unrighteous, 
and doing that which, in the nature of the thing, is 
like offering incense to an idol. 

It is reported of Origen, a primitive christian, that 
in a time of unwatchfulness, being under great diffi- 
culty, he took incense into his hand; and a certain 
heathen, to forward the work, took hold of his hand 
and cast the incense into the fire on the altar: and that 
through thus far complying, he was released from his 
outward trouble: but afterward he greatly bewailed 
his condition, as one fallen from a good estate to that 
which was worse. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 341 

Thus, it appears that a small degree of deliberate 
compliance with that which is wrong, is very danger- 
ous; and the case of Origen carries in it an admonition 
worthy of our notice. 



CHAPTER X. 

The way of carrying on wars, common in the world, 
is so far distinguishable from the purity of Christ's 
religion, that many scruple to join in them. Those 
who are so redeemed from the love of the world, as 
to possess nothing in a selfish spirit, their "life is hid 
with Christ in God;" and these he preserves in re- 
signedness, even in times of commotion. 

As they possess nothing but what pertains to his 
family, anxious thoughts about wealth or dominion 
have little or nothing in them to work upon; and they 
learn contentment in being disposed of according to 
his will, who being omnipotent, and always mindful of 
his children, causeth all things to work for their good. 
But where that spirit works which loves riches, and, 
in its working, gathers wealth, and cleaves to customs 
which have their root in self-pleasing; — this spirit, 
thus separating from universal love, seeks help from 
that power which stands in the separation, and what- 
ever name it hath, it still desires to defend the trea- 
sures thus gotten: — This is like a chain, where the 
end of one link encloses the end of another. The ris- 
ing up of a dosire to obtain wealth, is the beginning; 
this desire being cherished, moves to action; and 
riches thus gotten, please self; and while self has a 
life in them, it desires to have them defended. 

Wealth is attended with power, by which bargains 
and proceedings, contrary to universal righteousness, 
are supported: and here oppression, carried on with 
worldly poliey and order, clothes itself with the name 
-of justice, and becomes like a seed of discord in the 
soul. And as this spirit which wanders from the pure 
29* 



342 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

habitation, prevails; so the seeds of war swell and 
sprout, and grow, and become strong, until much 
fruit is ripened. Thus cometh the harvest spoken of 
by the prophet, which "is a heap, in the day of grief 
and desperate sorrows." 

Oh! that we who declare against wars, and acknow- 
ledge our trust to be in God only, may walk in the 
light, and therein examine our foundation and mo- 
tives in holding great estates! May we look upon our 
treasures, and the furniture of our houses, and the 
garments in which we array ourselves, and try whe- 
ther the seeds of war have any nourishment in these 
our possessions, or not. Holding treasures in the 
self-pleasing spirit is a strong plant, the fruit whereof 
ripens fast. 

A day of outward distress is coming, and Divine 
love calls to prepare against it. Hearken then, ye 
children who have known the light, and come forth. 
Leave every thing which Jesus Christ does not own. 
Think not his pattern too plain, or too coarse for you. 
Think not a small portion in this life too little. But 
let us live in his spirit, and walk as he walked: so 
shall we be preserved in the greatest troubles. 



CHAPTER XI. 

"The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord's; 
but the earth hath he given to the children of men." 

As servants of God, what lands or estates we hold, 
v/e hold under him as his gifts; and in applying the 
profits, it is our duty to act consistently with the de- 
signs of our benefactor. Imperfect men may give, on 
motives of misguided affection; but perfect wisdom and 
goodness gives agreeable to his own nature; nor is this 
gift absolute, but conditional, for us to occupy as du- 
tiful children, and not otherwise; for he alone is the 
true proprietor. "The world," saith he, "is mine, 
and the fulness thereof." 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 343 

The inspired law-giver directed that such of the 
Israelites as sold their inheritance, should sell it for 
a term only; and that they or their children should 
again enjoy it in the year of jubilee, settled on every 
fiftieth year. "The land shall not be sold for ever; 
for the land is mine, saith the Lord: for ye are stran- 
gers, and sojourners with me." The design of which 
was, to prevent the rich from oppressing the poor, 
by too much engrossing the land. And our blessed 
Lord said, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or 
one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be 
fulfilled." 

Where Divine love takes place in the hearts of any 
people, and they steadily act on a principle of univer- 
sal righteousness, there the true intent of the law is 
fulfilled, though their outward modes of proceeding 
may be distinguishable from one another: but where 
men are possessed by that spirit, hinted at by the 
prophet, and looking over their wealth, say in their 
hearts, "Have we not taken to us horns by our own 
strength?" Here, they deviate from the Divine law, 
and do not count their possessions so strictly God's, 
nor the weak and poor entitled to so much of the in- 
crease thereof, but that they may indulge their desires 
in conforming to worldly pomp. Thus, where house 
is joined to house, and field laid to field, until there is 
no place, and the poor are thereby straitened; though 
this is done by bargain and purchase, yet so far as it 
stands distinguished from universal love, so far that 
woe, prefixed by the prophet, will accompany their 
proceedings. 

As he who first formed the earth out of nothing, 
was then the true proprietor of it, so he still remains; 
and though he hath given it to the children of men, 
so that multitudes of people have had sustenance from 
it, while they continued here, — yet he hath never 
aliened it, but his right to give is as good as at the 
first Tsfor can any apply the increase of their pos- 
sessions contrary to universal love, nor dispose of 



344 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

lands in a way which they know tends to exalt some, 
by oppressing others, without being justly chargeable 
with usurpation. 



CHAPTER XII. 

If we count back one hundred and fifty years, and 
compare the inhabitants of Great Britain with the na- 
tives of North America on the like compass of ground, 
the latter, I suppose, would bear a small proportion 
to the other. On the discovery of this fertile conti- 
nent, many of those thick settled inhabitants coming 
over, the natives generally treated them with kind- 
ness, at first; and as those brought iron tools, and a 
variety of things convenient for man's use, they glad- 
ly embraced the opportunity of traffic, and encoura- 
ged those foreigners to settle. I speak only of im- 
provements made peaceably. 

Thus, our gracious Father, who at the same time 
beholds the situation of all his creatures, hath opened 
a way to come from a thick settled land, and given 
us some room in this. Now if we attentively con- 
sider the turning of God's hand, in thus far giving us 
room on this continent, and that the offspring of those 
ancient possessors of the country, in whose eyes we 
appear as new-comers, are yet owners and inhabiters 
of the land adjoining us; and that their way of life, 
requiring much room, hath been transmitted to them 
from their predecessors, and probably settled by the 
custom of a great many ages: — under these consider- 
ations, we may see the necessity of cultivating the 
lands already obtained of them, and of applying the 
increase consistent with true wisdom, so as to accom- 
modate the greatest number of people it is capable of, 
before we have any right to plead, as members of the 
one great family, the equity of their assigning to us 
more of their possessions, and living in a way requir- 
ing; less room. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 345 

Did we all walk as became the followers of the 
blessed Saviour; — were all the fruits of the country 
retained in it, which are sent abroad in return for 
such strong drink, such costly array, and other lux- 
uries, which we should then have no use for; and the 
labour and expense of importing and exporting appli- 
ed to husbandry and useful trades, a much greater 
number of people than now reside here, might, with 
the Divine blessing, live comfortably on the lands al- 
ready granted us by those ancient possessors of the 
country. 

If we faithfully serve God, who has given us some 
room in this land, I believe he will make some of us 
useful amongst them, both in publishing the doctrines 
of his Son, Jesus Christ, and in pointing out to them 
the advantages of cultivating the soil. 

Some, I suppose, will be careful for such poor peo- 
ple abroad, who earn their bread by preparing and 
trading in those things, which we as true disciples, 
living in plainness, like our heavenly pattern, should 
have no use for. But laying aside all superfluities 
and luxuries, while people are so much thicker set- 
tled in some parts than in others, a trade in some ser- 
viceable articles may be to mutual advantage, and car- 
ried on with much more regularity and satisfaction to 
a sincere christian, than the trade now generally is. 

One person continuing to live contrary to true wis- 
dom, commonly draws others into connexion with 
him; and where these embrace the way this first hath 
chosen, their proceedings are like a wild vine, which, 
springing from a single seed, and growing strong, its 
branches extend, and their little twining holders 
twist round all herbs and boughs of trees where they 
reach; and are so braced and locked in, that, without 
much labour and great strength, they are not disen- 
tangled. 

Thus, these customs, small in their beginning, as 
they increase, promote business and traffic, and many 
depend on them for a living. But it is evident, that 
all business which hath not its foundation in true wis- 



346 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

dom, is unbecoming a faithful follower of Christ, who 
loves God, not only with all his heart, but with all 
his strength and ability to labour and act in this 
world. And as the Lord is able, and will support 
those whose hearts are perfect towards him, in a way 
agreeable to his unerring wisdom, it becomes us to 
meditate on the privileges of his children; to remem- 
ber, that where the spirit of the Lord is there is lib- 
erty; and that in joining with customs which we know 
are wrong, there is a departing from the purity of his 
government, and a certain degree of alienation from 
him. 

To lay aside curious and costly attire, and use that 
only which is plain and serviceable; to cease from all 
superfluities, and too much strong drink, is agreeable 
to the directions of our blessed Lord; and if, in the 
integrity of our hearts, we do so, we in some degree 
contribute towards lessening that business which hath 
its foundation in a wrong spirit: and, as some well in- 
clined people are entangled in such business, and at 
times have a desire of being freed from it; our ceas- 
ing from these things may be made helpful to them: 
and though for a time, their business may fail, yet, if 
they humbly ask wisdom of God, and are truly re- 
signed to him, he will not fail them, nor forsake 
them. 

He who created the earth, and hath provided sus- 
tenance for millions of people in past ages, is now as 
attentive to the necessities of his children as ever. — 
To press forward toward perfection is our duty: and 
if herein we lessen some business, by which some 
poor people earn their bread, the Lord, who calls to 
cease from these things, will take care of those whose 
business fails by it, if they sincerely seek to him. 

If the connexions we have with the inhabitants of 
these provinces, and our interest considered as dis- 
tinct from others, engage us to promote plain living, 
in order to enrich our country: though a plain life is 
in itself best; yet by living plain in a selfish spirit, we 
advance not forward in true religion. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 347 

Divine love, which enlarges the heart toward man- 
kind universally, is that alone which can rightly stop 
every corrupt stream, and open those channels of bu- 
siness and commerce, where nothing runs that is not 
pure; and so establish our goings, that when, in our 
labours, we meditate on the universal love of God, 
and the harmony of holy angels, the serenity of our 
minds may never be clouded, in remembering that 
some part of our employments tends to support cus- 
toms which have their foundation in the self-seeking 
spirit. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

While our minds are prepossessed in favour of cus" 
toms, distinguishable from perfect purity, we are in 
danger of not attending with singleness to that light 
which opens to our view the nature of universal righ- 
teousness. 

In the affairs of a thick settled country, are variety 
of useful employments, besides tilling the earth: so 
that, for some men to have no more land than is ne- 
cessary to build upon, and to answer the occasions 
relative to their families, may consist with brother- 
hood: and from the various gifts which God hath be- 
stowed on those employed in husbandry, for some to 
possess, and occupy much more than others, may 
likewise. But where any on the strength of their 
possessions, demand such rent or interest, as necessi- 
tates those who hire of them, to a closer application 
to business than our merciful Father designed for us; 
this puts the wheels of perfect brotherhood out of or- 
der, and leads to employments, the promoting of 
which belongs not to the family of Christ. As his 
example in all parts, was a pattern of wisdom; so 
the plainness and simplicity of his outward appear- 
ance, may well make us ashamed to adorn our bodies 



348 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

with costly array, or treasure up wealth by the least 
oppression. 

The soil yields us support, and is profitable for 
man; and though some possessing a larger share of 
these profits than others, may consist with the harmo- 
ny of true brotherhood; yet, that the poorest people 
who are honest, are, so long as they remain inhabit- 
ants of the earth, entitled to a certain portion of these 
profits, in as clear and as absolute a sense as those 
who inherit much, I believe will be agreed to by 
those whose hearts are enlarged with universal love. 

The first people who inhabited the earth, were the 
first who had possession of the soil: the gracious Cre- 
ator and owner of it, gave the fruits thereof for their 
use. And, as one generation passed away, another 
came and took possession: and thus through many 
ages, innumerable multitudes of people have been 
supplied by the fruits of the earth; but our gracious 
Creator is as absolutely the owner of it, as he was 
when he first formed it out of nothing, before man 
had possession of it. And tho' by claims grounded on 
prior possession, great inequality appears amongst 
men; yet the instructions of the great proprietor of 
the earth, are necessary to be attended to in all our 
proceedings, as possessors or claimers of the soil. — 
"The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord;" 
and those who are thus guided, whose hearts are en- 
larged in his love, give directions concerning their 
possessions agreeably thereto; and that claim, which 
stands on universal righteousness, is a good right; 
but the continuance of that right, depends on proper- 
ty a Pplyi n g tne P r °fi ts thereof. 

The word right, is commonly used relative to our 
possessions. We say, a right of propriety to such a 
dividend of a province; or a clear indisputable right 
to the land within such certain bounds. Thus, this 
word is continued as a remembrancer of the original 
intent of dividing the land by boundaries, and im- 
plies, that it was designed to be equitably or rightly 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 349 

divided, — to be divided according to righteousness. 
In this, that is, in equity and righteousness, consists 
the strength of our claims. If we trace an unrigh- 
teous claim, and find gifts or grants proved by suffi- 
cient seals and witnesses; this gives not the claimant 
a right: for that which is opposite to righteousness, is 
wrong, and the nature of it must be changed before it 
can be right. 

Suppose twenty free men, professed followers of 
Christ, discovered an island unknown to all other 
people, and that they with their wives, independent 
of all others, took possession of it; and, dividing it 
equally, made improvements, and multiplied. Sup- 
pose these first possessors, being generally influenced 
by true love, did, with paternal regard look over the 
increasing condition of the inhabitants, and near the 
end of their lives, gave such directions concerning 
their respective possessions, as best suited the conve- 
nience of the whole, and tended to preserve love and 
harmony; and that their successors in the continued 
increase of people, generally followed their pious ex- 
amples, and pursued means the most effectual to keep 
oppression out of their island: — but that one of these 
first settlers, from a fond attachment to one of his nu- 
merous sons, no more deserving than the rest, gives 
the chief of his lands to him; and by an instrument, 
sufficiently witnessed, strongly expresses his mind 
and will. 

Suppose this son, being landlord to his brethren 
and nephews, demands such a portion of the fruits 
of the earth, as may supply him and his family a.nd 
some others; and that these others, thus supplied out 
of his store, are employed in adorning his building 
with curious engravings and paintings, preparing car- 
riages to ride in, vessels for his house, delicious meats, 
fine-wrought apparel and furniture, all suiting that 
distinction lately arisen between him and the other 
inhabitants: and that, having the absolute disposal of 
these numerous improvements, his power so increas- 
30 



350 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

eth, that in all conferences relative to the public af j 
fairs of the island, these plain, honest men who are 
zealous for equitable establishments, find great diffi- 
culty in proceeding agreeably to their righteous in- 
clinations, while he stands in opposition to them. 

Suppose he, from a fondness for one of his sons, 
joined with a desire to continue this grandeur under 
his own name, confirms chief of his possessions to 
him; and thus, for many ages, over near a twentieth 
part of this island, there is one great landlord, and 
the rest, poor oppressed people; to some of whom, 
from the manner of their education, joined with a 
notion of the greatness of their predecessors, labour 
is disagreeable; who therefore, by artful applications 
to the weakness, unguardedness, and corruptions of 
others, in striving to get a living out of them, in- 
crease the difficulties amongst them; while the inha- 
bitants of other parts, who guard against oppression, 
and, with one consent, train up their children in fru- 
gality and useful labour, live more harmoniously. 

If we trace the claim of the ninth or tenth of these 
great landlords, down to the first possessor, and find 
the claim supported throughout by instruments strong- 
ly drawn and witnessed; after all, we could not ad- 
mit a belief into our hearts, that he had a right to so 
great a portion of land, after such a numerous increase 
of inhabitants. 

The first possessor of that twentieth part, held no 
more, we suppose, than an equitable portion; but 
when the Lord, who first gave these twenty men pos- 
session of this island, unknown to all others, gave be- 
ing to numerous people, who inhabited this twentieth 
part, whose natures required the fruits thereof for 
their sustenance, — this great claimerof the soil could 
not have a right to the whole, to dispose of it in gra- 
tifying his irregular desires: but they, as creatures of 
the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth, 
had a right to part of what this great claimer held, 
though they had no instruments to confirm their 
right. 



A PLEA TOR THE POOR. 351 

Thus, oppression in the extreme, appears terrible: 
but oppression, in more refined appearances, remains 
to be oppression; and where the smallest degree of it 
is cherished, it grows stronger and more extensive: 
that to labour for a perfect redemption from this spi- 
rit of oppression, is the great business of the whole fa- 
mily of Christ Jesus, in this world. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

On Schools. 

When we are thoroughly instructed in the kingdom 
of God, we are content with that use of things which 
his wisdom points out, both for ourselves and our 
children. We are not concerned to teach them the 
art of getting rich; but are careful that the love of 
God, and a right regard for all their fellow-creatures 
may possess their minds; — and that, in all their learn- 
ing, their improvements may go forward in pure 
wisdom. 

Christ, our shepherd, being abundantly able and 
willing to instruct his family in all things proper for 
them to know, it remains to be our duty to wait pa- 
tiently for his help in teaching our families; — and not 
seek to forward them in learning by the assistance of 
that spirit, from whieh he has given his life to re- 
deem us. 

It was his own saying that "the children of this 
world are, in their generation, wiser than the children 
of Light." And it appears by experience, that in 
awakening and cherishing the spirit of pride, and the 
love of praise in children, they may sometimes be 
brought on in learning, faster than they would other- 
wise. But while, in learning any art or science, they 
accustom themselves to disobey the pure Spirit, and 
grow strong in that wisdom which is foolishness with 
God, they must have the painful labour of unlearning 



352 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

a part of what they thus learned, before they are 
adopted into the Divine family. It is, therefore, 
good for us, in schools and in all parts of education, 
to attend diligently to the principle of universal 
Light; and patiently wait for the improvement of 
children, in the channel of true wisdom, without en- 
deavouring to get help from that spirit which seeks 
honour from men. 

Children at an age fit for schools, are in a time of 
life that requires the careful and patient attendance of 
their tutors, and such a diligent observation of their 
several tempers and dispositions, as that they may be 
enabled rightly and seasonably to administer to each 
individual. 

Were we thoroughly weaned from the love of 
wealth, and fully brought out of all superfluities in 
living; — employments about vanities being finished, 
and labour wanted only for things consistent with a 
humble, self-denying life, there would, on a reasona- 
ble estimate, be so much to spare on the education of 
our children, — that a plain, humble man, with a fami- 
ly like himself, might be furnished with a living, for 
teaching and overseeing so small a number of children, 
that he might properly and seasonably administer to 
each individual, and gently lead them on, as the gos- 
pel spirit opened the way, without giving countenance 
to pride or evil inclinations among them. 

The management of children being sometimes com- 
mitted to men who do not live under the seasoning 
virtue of Truth, is a case that requires our serious 
consideration; for it is our indispensable duty to use 
our utmost endeavours in their education to bring 
them into an acquaintance with the inward work of 
grace. And where tutors are not experienced in this 
work, their spirit and conduct, in directing and or- 
dering the children, does often make impressions on 
their tender inexperienced minds, to their great dis- 
advantage. 

Again, where pious men enter into the employ, they 
sometimes find it difficult to support their families, 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 353 

without taking charge of so great a number, that they 
cannot so fully attend to the spirit and disposition of 
each individual, as would be profitable to the children. 
A large number of children in a school, is often a hea- 
vy weight on the mind of an honest tutor; and when 
his thoughts and time are so much taken up in the 
more outward affairs of the school, that he cannot so 
attend to the spirit and temper of each individual, as 
to administer rightly and seasonably, in the line of 
true judgment; — there the minds of children often 
suffer, and a wrong spirit gains strength; which fre- 
quently increases difficulties in a school, and, like an 
infection, spreads from one to another. 

A man influenced by the spirit of Truth, employ- 
ing his time in tutoring children, — while he hath 
only such a number that the manifestation of Divine 
strength in him, is superior to the instability in them; 
this good spirit in which he governs, does measura- 
bly work on their minds, and tends to bring them 
forward in the christian life. But where the strait- 
ness of a man's circumstances, joined with the small 
wages set on teaching children, proves a temptation 
and so enters into his heart, that he takes charge of 
too many for the measure of his gift; — or where the 
desire for wealth so corrupts the heart of any, that 
they take charge of too many: here the true order of 
a christian education is frustrated. 

To watch the spirit of children in school, and la- 
bour to bring them on as lambs in the flock of Christ, 
is of greater moment than their improvement in the 
knowledge of letters. But where a man hath charge 
of a number too great for that degree of strength, with 
which the Lord hath endued him, he not only suffers 
as to the state of his own mind, but the children suf- 
fer also: and government not being supported in the 
true christian spirit, the pure witness is not reached 
in the minds of the children. 

To educate children in the way of true piety and 
virtue, is a duty incumbent on all who have them; 
and our heavenly Father requires no duties of us, but 
30 * 



354 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

what he gives strength to perform, as we humbly seek 
to him. That though to the eye of reason the diffi- 
culties appear great, in many places, which attend 
instructing our children in useful learning, yet if we 
obediently attend to that wisdom which is from above, 
our gracious Father will open a way for us to give 
them such an education as he requires of us. 

And here I may say, that my mind hath been sor- 
rowfully affected on account of some, who, from a 
desire for wealth, — a desire to conform in living to 
those \vays distinguishable from the true christian 
spirit, — exert themselves in things relating to this 
life, and do not enough lay to heart the condition of 
youth, who, in many places, suffer through want of 
pious examples, and tutors whose minds are seasoned 
with the spirit of Truth. 

Are great labours performed to gain wealth for 
posterity? Are many supported with wages to fur- 
nish us with delicacies, and luxuries? 

Are monies expended for colours to please the eye, 
which render our garments less serviceable? 

Are garments of a curious texture purchased at a 
high rate, for the sake of their delicacy? 

Are there various branches of workmanship only 
ornamental, in the building of our houses, hanging by 
our walls and partitions, — and to be seen in our fur- 
niture and apparel? 

And amidst all these expenses, which the pure 
Truth does not require of us, — do we send our chil- 
dren to men to get learning, who, we believe, are not 
influenced by the spirit of Truth, — rather than hum- 
bly wait on the Lord for wisdom to direct us in their 
education? 

To commit children to the tuition of men, who, we 
believe, are not rightly qualified to lead them on in 
the true christian life, I believe no pious man will say 
is required of us as a duty. 

To do evil that good may come of it, is contrary to 
the doctrine of Christianity. That when times are so 
cloudy that we cannot go forward in the way of clear- 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 355 

ness and purity, — it behoves us, in the depth of hu- 
mility, to wait on the Lord to know his mind con- 
cerning us and our children. 



CHAPTER xv. 

On Masters and Servants. 

"Servants, be obedient to them that are your mas- 
ters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, 
in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ." Eph.vi.5. 

It is observable in several places, where the apostle 
writes to servants, that he labours to direct their minds 
to the true Light; that in labouring in the condition 
of servants they might, as the apostle expresseth it, 
"do the will of God from the heart:" Ephes. vi. 6; 
that their labours might not be like those of men- 
pleasers, but "in singleness of heart fearing God;" and 
that whatsoever they did, they might "do it heartily, 
as to the Lord, and not unto men." Col. iii. 23. 

As the pure principle of righteousness is the foun- 
dation whereon the pure in heart stand; so, their pro- 
ceedings are consistent therewith: and while they 
encourage to an upright performance of every rea- 
sonable duty, on one hand — they guard, on the other, 
against servants actively complying with unrighteous 
commands, — "doing service as to the Lord, and not 
unto men." ver. 7. By which we are instructed in 
the necessity of a humble walking before God; that 
by faithfully attending on the leadings of his holy 
Spirit, "our senses may be exercised to discern both 
good and evil." Heb. v. 14. And that as the righ- 
teous commands of masters ought to be obeyed be- 
cause they are righteous,- — so, on the contrary, such 
commands of men which cannot be performed with- 
out disobeying God, are not sufficient authority for a 
servant of Christ to proceed upon; but herein we 
ought to obey God rather than men. 



356 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

The present concern of my mind is, that all who 
are in the station of masters, may seriously consider 
this subject, and demand nothing of servants, which 
is unreasonable, or that in the performance of which 
they must necessarily act contrary to universal righ- 
teousness. 

A pious father hath a conscientious care for his 
children, that by his labours they may be rightly 
educated, and have some things which necessarily 
relate to their first settling in the world. But where 
a man seeth his righteous intentions perverted, and 
his labours made to serve purposes which are not 
equitable, and hath no hopes of a remedy, — his case 
is very grievous: for here, however disposed to la- 
bour, he cannot "labour heartily as to the Lord, 
and not unto men." 

To comply with demands that are not equitable, is 
afflicting to a well disposed mind: and for a man in 
power to demand service of another, without propos- 
ing an equitable reward, appears to me to have the 
spirit of persecution in it. 

Upright men labouring in temporal affairs, have in 
view to do good thereby. They labour because they 
are convinced it is their duty. But where labours 
not equitably due, are required of them to gratify the 
covetous, luxurious, or ambitious designs of others, — 
this lays conscientious men under great difficulty. If 
they comply not, they are liable to punishment; and 
if they do that which they believe is not right for 
them to do, they wound their own souls. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

To keep negroes as servants, till they are thirty 
years of age, and hold the profits of the last nine years 
of their labour as our own, on a supposition that they 
may some time be an expense to our estates, is a way 
of proceeding which appears to admit of improvement. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 357 

Reasons' offered. 1st. Men of mature age, who have 
walked orderly, and made no contract to serve, — that 
they are entitled to freedom, I expect is generally 
agreed to; and to make them serve as slaves nine 
years longer, may be to keep them slaves for term of 
life. They may die before that age, and be no ex- 
pense to us; and may leave children, to whom, with 
reason, the) 7 might in their last sickness, desire to 
give the monies they had earned after they had paid 
for their own education. 

2d. The labour of a healthy, industrious negro man 
for nine years, I suppose at a moderate computation, 
may not be less than fifty pounds, proclamation money, 
besides his diet and clothing. Now if this money be 
earned, either in the service of the man who educated 
him, or laid by in yearly proportions, under the care 
of the said man, and put out at a moderate interest 
for the negro's use, and to be applied to his future ne- 
cessities, or to such honest purposes as he by his last 
will might direct; — this would appear to us a more 
brotherly way of proceeding, were we in the negro's 
condition. 

3d. Pure goodness tendeth to beget its own like- 
ness: and where men are convinced that the conduct 
of those who have power over them, is equitable, — 
it naturally yields encouragement for them to provide 
against old age. The pure witness being reached, a 
care is thereby incited that they may not become a 
burden on the estates of those whom they have found 
to be honest men, and true friends to them. But where 
men have laboured without wages nine years longer 
than is common with other men amongst whom they 
dwell, and then set free; and at going off, are assured 
that those who so detained them are largely in their 
debt, but expect not to receive the debt except they 
become needy when unable to help themselves — such 
would naturally be induced to think this treatment 
unbrotherly; — to think of the reasonableness of their 
wages being some time paid; — to think that the es- 
tate in which they laboured, might reasonably assist 



358 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

them in old age: and thus be tempted to decline from 
a wise application to business. 

4th. If I see a man want relief, and know he hath 
money in my hands which must some time be paid, 
with reasonable use; either to him, or to others by 
his direction; — there appears, in this case, no tempta- 
tion to withhold it at the time I see that he needs it. 
But if selfishness so far prevails in me, that I look 
upon the money which I have in trust, with a desire 
to keep it from the true owner; and through the 
strength of desire, joined with expectation, at length 
so far consider it a part of my estate, as to apply it 
in promoting myself or my family in the world, and 
therewith enter into expenses which a humble follow- 
er of Christ might have shunned: Here, by joining 
with one temptation, there is great danger of falling 
into more, and of not attending to the wants of the 
man who has monies in my hands, with that care and 
diligence which I might have done, had the tempter 
found no entrance into my mind. 

5th. If we righteously account for the monies which 
we have in security, with a reasonable use thereon, 
and frugally expend the whole in relieving the man 
who earned it; and more being wanted, the public re- 
fuseth to bear any part of the expense, — if our estates 
have not been benefited aforetime by the labours of 
his fathers nor ancestors: — this appears to be a case 
wherein the righteous suffer for the testimony of a 
good conscience; and from which, if faithfully attend- 
ed to, they might in time, I trust, hope for relief. 

The negroes have been a suffering people; and we 
as a civil society are they by whom they have suffer- 
ed. Now where persons have been injured, as to 
their outward substance, and died without having 
recompense, their children appear to have a right to 
that which was equitably due to, and detained from 
their fathers. 

Having thus far spoken of the negroes as equally 
entitled to the benefit of their labour with us, I feel 
it on my mind to mention that debt which is due to 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 359 

many negroes of the present age. Where men, with- 
in certain limits, are so formed into a society, as to 
become like a large body consisting of many mem- 
bers; here, whatever injuries are done to others not 
of this society, by members of this society, — if the 
society in whose power it is, doth not use all re^on- 
able endeavours to execute justice and judgment, nor 
publicly disown those unrighteous proceedings, — the 
iniquities of individuals become chargeable on such 
civil society to which they remain united. And 
where persons have been injured, as to their outward 
substance, and died without having recompense, so 
that their children are kept out of that which was 
equitably due to their parents; — here such children 
appear to be justly entitled to receive recompense 
from that civil society under which their parents 
suffered. 

My heart is affected with sorrow while I write on 
this subject, on account of the great injuries commit- 
ted against these gentiles, and against their children 
born in that captivity which is an unrighteous captiv- 
ity. Had the active members in civil society, when 
those injuries were first attempted, united in a firm 
opposition to those violent proceedings;--had others, 
in a selfish spirit, attempted the like afterwards, and 
met with a firm opposition, and been made to do 
justice to the injured persons, till the prospect of gain 
by such unrighteous proceedings appeared so doubtful 
that no further attempts had been made, — how much 
better it would have been for these American colo- 
nies and islands! 

When the ancestors of these people were brought 
from Africa, some I believe bought those poor suffer- 
ers with intent to treat them kindly as slaves. They 
bought them as though those violent men had a right 
to sell them; but, I believe, without entering deep 
enough into the consideration of the nature and ten- 
dency of such a bargain, and the consequence of such 
proceedings. Others, I believe, bought them with 
views of outward ease and profit; and thus those vio- 



360 A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 

lent men found people of reputation who purchased 
their booty, and built on that purchase as a founda- 
tion to exercise the authority of masters; and thus en- 
couraged them in this horrible trade, till their pro- 
ceedings were so far approved by civil society as to 
consjjder those men as members, without proceeding 
to punish them for their crimes. And hence, build- 
ing on an unrighteous foundation, a veil was gradual- 
ly drawn over a practice, very grievous and afflicting 
to great numbers of these gentiles, and most foreign 
to righteousness: and thus the face of things became 
so disguised, that under the most lamentable injus- 
tice, but few appeared to be alarmed at it, or zealously 
laboured to have justice done to the sufferers and 
their posterity. 

The poor Africans were people of a strange lan- 
guage, and not easy to converse with; and their situ- 
ation as slaves, too generally destroyed that brother- 
ly freedom which frequently subsists between us and 
inoffensive strangers. 

In this adverse condition, how reasonable is it to 
suppose, that they would revolve in their distressed 
minds, the iniquities committed against them, and 
mourn without any to comfort them! 

Though through gradual proceedings in unrigh- 
teousness, dimness hath come over many minds, yet 
the nature of things is not altered. Long oppression 
hath not made oppression consistent with brotherly 
love; nor length of time ihrough several ages, made 
recompense to the posterity of those injured stran- 
gers. Many of them lived, and died without having 
their suffering cases heard, and determined according 
to equity. And under a degree of sorrow on account 
of the wantonness, the vanity and superfluity too 
common amongst us as a civil society, even while a 
heavy load of unrighteous proceedings lies upon us, 
do I now express these things, under a feeling of uni- 
versal love, and with a fervent concern for the real 
interest of my fellow-members in society, as well as 
the interest of my fellow-creatures in general. 



A PLEA FOR THE POOR. 361 

Suppose an inoffensive youth, forty years ago, was 
violently taken from Guinea, sold here as a slave, and 
laboured hard till old age, and hath children who are 
now living. Though no sum may properly be men- 
tioned as an equal reward for the total deprivation of 
liberty; — yet, if the sufferings of this man be compu- 
ted at no more than fifty pounds, I expect candid 
men will suppose it within bounds, and that his chil- 
dren have an equitable right to it. 

Fifty pounds, at three per cent, adding the inter- 
est to the principle once in ten years, appears in forty 
years to make upwards of one hundred and forty 
pounds. 

Now, when our minds are thoroughly divested of 
all prejudice in relation to the difference of colour, — 
and the love of Christ, in which there is no partiality, 
prevails in us, I believe it will appear that a heavy 
account lies against us, as a civil society, for oppres- 
sions committed against people who did not injure us; 
and that, if the particular cases of many individuals 
were fairly stated, it would appear that there was 
considerable due to them. 

I conclude with the words of Samuel, that righteous 
judge in Israel: "Behold here I am: witness against 
me before the Lord, and before his anointed; — whose 
ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom 
have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of 
whose hand have I received any bribe, to blind mine 
eyes therewith; and I will restore it you." 1 Samuel 
xii. 3. 

JOHN WOOLMAN. 

9th of 10th month, 1769. 



31 



CONVERSATIONS 

ON 

THE TRUE HARMONY OF MANKIND, 

AND HOW IT MAY BE PROMOTED. 



INTRODUCTION. 
I have, at sundry times, felt my mind opened, in 
true brotherly love, to converse freely and largely 
with some who were entrusted with plentiful estates, 
in regard to an application of the profits of them, con- 
sistent with pure wisdom. And of late, it hath often 
revived on my mind, as a duty, to write the substance 
of what then passed: and as I have attended to this 
concern, I have felt my mind opened to enlarge on 
some points then spoken to. 

John Woolman. 

3d month, 1772. 

The substance of some conversation between a la- 
bouring man, and a man rich in money. 

Labourer. — I observe thou livest easy, as to bodi- 
ly labour, and perceive thou takest interest at seven 
per cent. I find occasion, among us labouring men, 
in supporting our families, to work harder at times 
than is agreeable to us. I am now thinking of that 
Christian exhortation, "Love as brethren, " and pro- 
pose to thee, my neighbour, whether a way may not 
be opened for thee and thy family, to live comforta- 
bly on a lower interest; which, if once rightly attain- 
ed, would, I believe, work in favour of us labouring 
people. 

Rich Man. — If thou payest no interest, wherein 
doth seven per cent, affect thee? 



CONVERSATIONS. 363 

Lab. — I was at work for a husbandman who had 
bought a plantation, and paid interest for a great part 
of the purchase money. As this neighbour and I 
were talking of the quantity of grain, equitable pay 
for a day's work, he told me that so much of the pro- 
duce of his ground went yearly to pay the interest of 
the remaining purchase money, that he thought he 
could not afford so much rye for a day's work now, 
as was considered pay for a day's work twenty years 
ago. 

Rich. — Twenty years ago, interest was as high as 
it is now; and grain, flesh, butter, and cheese, were « 
then cheaper. 

Lab. — Seven per cent, is higher than interest is in 
England, and than it is in most of the neighbouring 
provinces. This is known to many who pay interest, 
who look at wealthy interest-receivers, as men hav- 
ing got an advantage of their brethren; and as provi- 
sions are more and more in demand, partly by an en- 
largement of towns and villages, and partly by a sea- 
trade, some take hold of opportunities to raise the 
price of grain, flesh, butter, and the like; and appre- 
hend that herein they are only labouring to bring the 
price of their produce toward a balance with seven 
per cent. 

On a rise of grain, of flesh, and the like, I have 
known tradesmen meet, and raise the price of their 
work. Thus, a poor labouring man who works by 
the day for the necessaries of life, must not only 
work more for a bushel of grain, but also for weaving 
of his cloth, for making of his coat, and for the shoes 
which he wears. 

There also ariseth discouragement hereby to trades- 
men, in our country in general; for tradesmen raising 
their wages on a rise of grain, the price of cloth, of 
shoes, of hats, of scythes, and the like are all raised. 

Now, if interest was lower, grain lower, and kept 
more plentiful in our country, wages of hired men 
might with reason be lower also. Hence, encourage- 
ment would naturally arise to husbandmen, to raise 



364 CONVERSATIONS 

more sheep and flax, and prepare means to employ 
many poor people amongst us. 

Sheep are pleasant company on a plantation, their 
looks are modest, their voice is soft and agreeable; 
their defenceless state exposeth them a prey to wild 
beasts, and they appear to be intended by the great 
Creator to live under our protection, and supply us 
with matter for warm and useful clothing. Sheep, 
being rightly managed, tend to enrich our land; but 
by sending abroad great quantities of grain and flour, 
the fatness of our land is diminished. 

I have known landholders who paid interest for 
large sums of money; and, being intent on paying 
their debts by raising grain, have, by too much tilling, 
so robbed the earth of its natural fatness, that the pro- 
duce thereof hath grown light. 

To till poor land requires nearly as much labour as 
to till that which is rich; and as the high interest of 
money which lieth on many husbandmen, is often a 
means of their struggling for present profit, to the im- 
poverishment of their lands, they then on their poor 
land find greater difficulty to afford poor labourers who 
work for them, equitable pay for tilling the ground. 

The produce of the earth is a gift from our gracious 
Creator to the inhabitants, and to impoverish the 
earth now, to support outward greatness, appears to 
be an injury to the succeeding age. 

Rich. — As there hath, for some years past, been a 
gradual rise of our country produce, and we have not 
raised our interest, if there be any complaint now, it 
seems as if we are the men to complain. 

Lab. — My friend and neighbour, people, thou 
knowest, sometimes disagree in attempting to settle 
accounts (when no fraud is intended on either side,) 
but through want of matters being clearly and fairly 
stated. Come now, let us patiently hear each other, 
and endeavour to love as brethren. 

Some who pay rent for a small house, and raise up 
children, all by day's labour, are often taught by very 
moving instructions. Some keep a cow, and labour 



ON TRUE HARMONY. 365 

hard in the summer to provide hay and grain for her 
against winter; but in very cold winters, hay is some- 
times gone before spring, and grain is so scarce, thro' 
much sending it and flour abroad, that the grain in- 
tended for a cow, is found necessary to be eaten in 
the family. I have known grain and hay so scarce, 
that I could not, any where near, get so much as my 
family and creatures had need of; being then sparing 
in feeding our cow, she hath grown poo.r. In her 
pining condition, she hath called aloud. . I knew her 
voice, and the sound thereof was the cry of hunger. 
I have known snowy, stormy weather, of long con- 
tinuance. I have seen poor creatures in distress, for 
want of good shelter and plentiful feeding, when it 
did not appear to be in the power of their owners to 
do much better for them; being straitened in answer- 
ing the demands of the wealthy. I have seen small 
fires in long cold storms, and known sufferings for 
want of firewood. In wasting away under want, na- 
ture hath a voice that is very piercing. To these 
things I have been a witness, and had a feeling sense 
of them; nor may I easily forget what I have thus 
learned. 

Now, my friend, I have beheld that fulness and 
delicacy, in which thou and thy family live. Those 
expensive articles, brought from beyond the sea, 
which serve chiefly to please the desire of the eye, 
and to gratify the palate, which I often observe in 
thy family as in other rich families: — these costly 
things are often revived in my remembrance, when 
those piercing instructions, arising from hunger, cold, 
and want, have been before me. 

Our merchants, in paying for these delicacies, send 
a great deal of flour and grain abroad out of our coun- 
try. Hence, grain is more scarce and dear, whieh 
operates against poor labouring people. 

I have seen, in thy family, that in furnishing the 

house, in dressing and adorning yourselves, and in 

preparations for the table, you might save a good deal, 

if your minds were reconciled to that simplicity men- 

31* ' 



366 CONVERSATIONS 

tioned by the Apostle, to wit, "the simplicity that 
there is in Christ." And by thus saving, you might 
help poor people in several ways. You might abate of 
your interest money, and that might operate in favour 
of the poor. Your example, in a plain life, might 
encourage other rich families in this simple way of 
living; and thus the wealthy, by abating their expen- 
ses, might more easily abate the rents of their lands; 
and their tenants, having farms on moderate terms, 
would have less plea for shortening the wages of the 
poor, by raising the price of grain, than they now 
have. 

I have felt hardships amongst poor people, and had 
experience of their difficulties; now, my friend, were 
our stations in the world to be changed; — were thou 
and thy children to labour a few years with your 
hands, under all the wants and difficulties of the poor, 
toward supporting us and our families in that expen- 
sive way of life in which thou and thy family now 
live; — thou wouldst see that we might have a suffi- 
ciency with much less; and on abating our demands, 
might make thy labour, and the labour of thy children 
much easier; and doubtless in my case, to thee such 
abatement would be desirable. 

I have read of a heathen king or emperor, so affect- 
ed with that great law of equity, laid down by our 
Redeemer, that he caused it to be fixed up on the wall 
of his palace: "WHATSOEVER YE WOULD 
THAT OTHER MEN SHOULD DO TO YOU, 
DO YE EVEN SO TO THEM." In this law, 
our Redeemer refers us to our own feeling; and as all 
men, by nature, are equally entitled to the equity of 
this law, and under the obligations of it, there ap- 
pears, on the point of tenderness to the poor, improve- 
ment necessary for thee, my friend. 

Rich. — If I were to abate all those expenses thou 
hintest at, I believe some poor people, as hardly be- 
set to live in the world as those thou speakest of, 
would lose some business, and be more straitened to 
live than they are at present. 



ON TRUE HARMONY. 367 

Lab. — I know of no employ in life, more innocent 
in its nature, more healthy, and more acceptable in 
common to the minds of honest men, than husbandry, 
followed no further than while action is agreeable to 
the body; but husbandry, by reason of the smallness 
of the number employed in it, is often made a toil, 
and the sweetness thereof frequently changed into 
hurry and weariness, in doing no more than employ- 
ers commonly expect from a man, as the labour of a 
day. 

Rich. — I have seen men perform a full day's la- 
bour, even in hot weather, and at night appear cheer- 
ful, and no signs of weariness on them. 

Lab. — That may often be observed in strong hearty 
men; but sometimes the necessities of poor labouring 
men induce them to labour when they are weakly; 
and among poor men, as amongst others, some are 
weak by nature, and not of constitutions prepared to 
go through great labour; and these, in doing what is 
esteemed a day's work in the summer, are frequently 
very weary before night, even when in health; and 
when weakly, they sometimes struggle with labour 
to a great degree of oppression. 

Labouring to raise the necessaries of life, is in itself 
an honest labour; and the more men there are employ- 
ed in honest employments, the better. Many of the 
employments thou hast alluded to, have been invented 
to gratify the wandering desires of those who, through 
means of riches, had power to turn money into the 
channels of vanity. Those employments are often 
distressing to the minds of sincere-hearted people, 
who, from their childhood, have been brought up in 
them, with intention that thereby they might get a 
living in the world. With these I have a brotherly 
sympathy, and not only desire that their faith fail not, 
but feel a care that such who have plenty of the things 
of this life, may lay their condition to heart. 

I feel that it is my duty to love my heavenly Fa- 
ther with all my heart, and with all my soul and 
strength. I feel that, pride is opposite to Divine love; 



368 CONVERSATIONS 

and if I put forth my strength in any employment, 
which I know is to support pride, I feel that it has a 
tendency to weaken those bands which, thro' the in- 
finite mercies of God, I have felt at times to bind and 
unite my soul in a holy fellowship with the Father, 
and with his Son, Jesus Christ. This I have learned 
through the precious operation of Divine love, and 
ardently desire both for myself, and for all who have 
tasted of it, that nothing may be able to separate us 
from it. 

When rich men who have the power of circulating 
money through channels the most pleasant to them, 
do not stand upright as in the sight of God, but go 
forth in a way contrary to pure wisdom, it tends to 
disorder the affairs of society. And where they ga- 
ther money through the toil of husbandmen, and cir- 
culate it by trading in superfluities, and employing 
people in vanities, the similitude used by the prophet 
Ezekiel appears applicable. He represents rich men 
as strong cattle who feed on the fat pasture, and then 
wantonly tread down the remainder; and as drinking 
at a pleasant stream, and then walking in it till their 
feet have so stirred up the mud, that the thirsty weak 
cattle have nothing to drink but dirty water. This 
parable of the prophet appears to represent, not only 
the bodily hardships, in outward poverty and want, 
of such poor people who are pressed down by the 
power of the wealthy, but may properly be applied 
to those employments about vanities, in which many 
poor people are entangled. 

Now, if rich men, by living in the simplicity of 
the Truth, stop the business of some who labour in 
gratifying the pride and vanities of people's minds, 
and are drinking the dirty waters; if those at the same 
time abate their interest, and the rent of their lands, 
this opens a way for the tenant to be more liberal 
with the fruits of the ground, when put in the balance 
against the work of poor labouring men. 

An honest tenant who labours himself and knows 
what it is to be weary, on agreeing to pay five men 



ON TRUE HARMONY. S69 

full wages for doing that which is now computed a 
day's work for four, might ease the heavy burdens of 
weakly labourers, and open the way for some now 
employed in gratifying the vanities of people's minds, 
to enter upon useful employments. 

Men who live on a supply from the interest of their 
money, and do little else but manage it, appear to 
have but a small share of the labour in carrying on 
the affairs of a province; and where a member of so- 
ciety doth but a small share of the business thereof, 
it appears most agreeable to equity, that he should 
live in such sort, as may be most easy to them by 
whose labour he is chiefly supported. 



The substance of some conversation between a thrif- 
ty Landholder, and a labouring man. 

Labourer. — I observe, of late years, that when I 
buy a bushel of grain for my family, I must do more 
work to pay for it, than I used to dt> twenty years 
past, — what is the reason of this change ? 

Landholder. — Towns and villages have a gradual 
increase in these provinces, and the people now em- 
ployed in husbandry bear, I believe, a less proportion 
to the whole inhabitants than they did then; this, I 
take to be one reason of the change; but the main 
cause is that of sending so much grain and flour abroad. 

Lab. — I believe it is so; but I observe that where 
land is well cleared, and enriched by cattle and sheep, 
a hundred bushels of rye are raised with less labour 
now, than was necessary when the ground was to 
clear, and the ploughing interrupted by many stumps; 
and as we have great plenty of grain raised in our 
country, it seems uneasy to me, that I must now do 
more work for a bushel of rye than I did then. 

Land.— The price set on labour is high; but as we 
have now less labour in clearing land, than we had 
then; — and as young men, who have no land of their 



370 CONVERSATIONS 

own, are more numerous, — it appears likely that we 
may have our labour done for lower wages than we 
had then. And as our country is now more open, 
and great quantities of grain are now raised, we are 
enabled to supply some people beyond the seas with 
grain and flour, for which in return we get many 
things convenient from abroad. 

Lab. — Of things which to me appear convenient, 
we, through Divine favour, have plenty in our own 
land, and in 'so much sending abroad, and fetching 
from far, there is a hazard of men's lives, and the good 
fruits of the earth brought forth through much labour, 
are often buried in the sea. If our people who are 
beforehand in the world, would be content with living 
more on the produce of our own land, and instead of 
employing so many men on the seas, would employ 
the greater part of them in husbandry and useful 
trades, and keep grain more plentifully in our coun- 
try, I believe it would be better for us, in general, 
and we labouring people might have grain in propor- 
tion to our labour, as heretofore; and in the plentiful 
produce of our* country, rejoice with the landholders. 
But while the landholders have great increase, and 
therewith gratify themselves and their families with 
expensive delicacies, and at the same time demand 
more labour of us for a bushel of grain, than they did 
when much less grain was sent abroad; this falls hard 
on our side. And though a poor labouring man may 
behold the country in outward prosperity, yet feeling 
the prosperity thereof to be of such a nature, that in 
getting bread for his famity, he must do more work 
for a bushel of grain than was required of him in years 
past, it doth not appear that he hath a proportionable 
share in this prosperity. 

Land. — There are many people in distant parts, 
who depend on a supply by our grain and flour. 

Lab. — I believe some trade abroad might be of ad- 
vantage to us, and to some with whom we trade, if 
that spirit which leads into error, had no part in di- 
recting this trade. 



ON TRUE HARMONY. 371 

A great stop in trade may not be expected without 
inconvenience to some; but as the spirit of Truth pre- 
vails in our minds, we are content with that only 
which is of real use to us. Thus the love of riches is 
cast out of our hearts; the desire after costly delicacies 
is subjected in us, and in true brotherly kindness, we 
are moved to assist the weak members in the family, 
under their difficulties. 

Our flour is often sent abroad to fruitful places; and 
were the inhabitants of some of those places to apply 
themselves more to that of raising a living for them- 
selves, ouf of their own ground, and trade less abroad, 
I believe both we and they, under the Divine blessing, 
might have a sufficient supply: — less of the produce 
of the earth would be sunk in the seas, less expense 
in carrying abroad and fetching from far; — and labour 
would be made more easy to the tillers of the ground, 
both here and there. 

Land. — We commonly raise more grain in Penn- 
sylvania and New Jersey, in a year, than is a supply 
for our inhabitants, and by sending abroad that of 
which we have no present occasion, we not only get 
a supply of sundry branches of merchandize from 
abroad, but also get gold amongst us. 

Lab. — In rightly labouring for the true prosperity 
of a country, we do nothing at which any one of our 
inhabitants have just cause to complain; but in putting 
forward trade beyond the right bounds, grain is made 
scarce and dear, even in a time of plenty; a poor la- 
bouring man must spend more of his strength to get 
a bushel of rye, than was required of him when less 
was sent abroad. Thus, husbandry, one of the most 
healthful, honest employments, so agreeable and in- 
viting to us, is made a toil, and becomes wearisome, 
by reason that too few are employed in it, and too 
much labour assigned as the work of a day. 

Many branches of business are invented to please 
the pride and vanity of such who wander from pure 
wisdom; which branches of business are often uneasy 
to sincere-hearted tradesmen; but husbandry is an 



372 CONVERSATIONS 

employment in itself so necessary, and carried on in 
the open air, that it appears consistent with pure wis- 
dom to have as many employed in it as the nature of 
the case will rightly admit of, and that those should 
not be obliged to work harder for a comfortable liv- 
ing than may be an agreeable employ. 

Grain of late years is raised, not only in greater 
plenty than it was formerly, but also with less labour; 
and that poor labouring men and tradesmen should 
be under the necessity to spend more of their strength 
for a bushel of it, than was required of them in years 
past, is a case that to me doth not appear harmonious 
in society. 

If gold is brought into our country through means 
which renders the condition of the poor more diffi- 
cult, it appears evident that the country had better be 
without that gold. 

I believe the real use of gold amongst men, bears a 
small proportion to the labour in getting it out of the 
earth, and carrying it about from place to place. 

It doth not appear to have much use but that of a 
currency, and if trade extended no further than was 
consistent with pure wisdom, I believe trade might 
be carried on without gold. 

To make an axe or a hoe, iron and steel is worth 
more to the husbandman than gold of an equal weight. 

If a man, with much gold, should travel into those 
parts of the world, where people are all strangers to 
that high value which is placed on it, and there en- 
deavour to buy the conveniences of life therewith; — 
to propose in exchange so small a piece of metal for 
so much of the necessaries of life, would doubtless to 
them be matter of astonishment. 

Gold, where the value fixed thereon is agreed to, 
appears to be attended with a certain degree of pow- 
er; and where men get much of this power, their 
hearts are many times in danger of being lifted up 
above their brethren, and of being estranged from 
that meekness and tender feeling of the state of the 



ON TRUE HARMONY. 373 

poor, which accompanies the faithful followers of 
Christ. 

Our blessed Redeemer, who is always able to sup- 
ply our wants, even by miracles when that is con- 
sistent with infinite wisdom; he, our gracious Shep- 
herd, who well knows our weakness, and the dan- 
ger there is of our hearts being corrupted by that 
power which attends riches, commands us, "Lay not 
up for yourselves treasures here on earth:" and one 
of his immediate followers, warning us of the woful 
state of such who continue in the breach of this com- 
mand, said, "They who will be rich fall into temp- 
tation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful 
lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdi- 
tion." 

Through the desire of money, men are tempted at 
times to deal hardly with their poor neighbours; and 
in the possession of riches there is a snare. 

Through this imaginary greatness, the heart is of- 
ten ensnared with pride; and through plenty of gold, 
the way is more open to gratify the vanity of the de- 
sire in delicacies and luxury; and under these gratifi- 
cations, there is often a growing exaltation of mind, 
an imaginary superiority over such who have a small 
portion of the things of this life; and thus many be- 
come estranged from the tender feelings of true bro- 
therly love and charity. 

In a time of plenty, when great quantities of grain 
and flour are sent to distant parts, a poor man who 
labours for hire to get bread for his family, must do 
more labour for a bushel of grain, than was required 
for that quantity, thirty years past; which circum- 
stance appears worthy the consideration of such who 
possess fruitful plantations, or are otherwise entrust- 
ed with power, and may justly incite them to beware 
lest the love of money ensnare their hearts, and lead 
them on to promote trading beyond the right bounds. 

They who hold plentiful estates, have power over 
those who have only their hands to labour; and if 
they misapply this power, the joints and bands of so- 
32 



374 CONVERSATIONS 

ciety are disordered. Poor labouring men, in raising 
up families, find occasion to labour too hard, while 
other poor men would be idle for want of employ, 
were not employments provided which serve chiefly 
to gratify the pride and vanity of people's minds. 

Where people love money, and their hearts are en- 
snared with imaginary greatness, the disease frequent- 
ly spreads from one to another; and children, indul- 
ged in those wants which proceed from this spirit, 
have often wants of the same kind, in a much larger 
degree, when they grow up to be men and women; 
and their parents are often entangled in contriving 
means to supply them with estates to live answerable 
to those expensive customs, which, very early in life, 
have taken hold of their minds. 

In contriving to raise estates on these motives, how 
often are the minds of parents bewildered, perplexed, 
and drawn into ways and means to get money, which 
increase the difficulties of poor people who maintain 
their families by the labour of their hands! 

A man may intend to lay up wealth for his children, 
but may not intend to oppress; yet, in this fixed in- 
tention to increase his estate, the working of his de- 
signs may cause "the bread of the needy to fail;" 
and at the same time their hardships may remain un- 
noticed by him. 

This, the inspired penman describes in the simili- 
tude of a man falling. Now, a man falling may go 
headlong where he had no design to go. Having a 
will to be rich, he may fall; — he may fall into the 
condition of oppressors, though he had no design to 
oppress. Thus, it remains that the love of money is 
a root from whence spring many evils; and they 
who will be rich fall; — they fall into temptations and 
a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful customs, 
which strongly operate against the true harmony of 
society. 

This, of making grain scarce in a plentiful country, 
for the sake of getting a little fine metal as a currency 
amongst us, which doth not appear to be worth its 



ON TRUE HARMONY. 375 

weight in steel for instruments relating to the com- 
mon business of getting a living in the world, appears 
to me to work against the general convenience of poor 
labouring people, and is often a snare to others, re- 
specting the inward state of their minds. 

The members in society to me appear like the 
members of a man's body, which only move regular- 
ly while the motion proceeds from the head. In fits, 
people sometimes have convulsive motions, which, 
though strong, are only manifestations of disorder. 

While we love God with all our hearts, and love 
not ourselves in a love different from that which we 
feel towards mankind universally, so long the way 
remains open for that " Life which is the Light of 
men," to operate in us, and lead us forward in all the 
concerns necessary for us. Here we may rejoice in 
the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity 
and godly sincerity, we have had our conversation 
amongst men. 

This is a treasure, of which, through the tender 
mercies of God, I have in a small degree had expe- 
rience; and when I think on this outward body being 
dissolved, and look toward ages who may succeed us, 
this treasure, of all others, feels the most precious, 
and what I ardently desire may be possessed by gen- 
erations to come. 

If gold comes not rightly into our country, we had 
better be without it. The love of money is the root 
of evil; and while gold comes among us as an effect 
of the love of money in the hearts of the inhabitants 
of this land, branches rising up from this root, like 
the "degenerate plant of a strange vine/' will remain 
to trouble us, and interrupt the true harmony of so- 
ciety. 

The love of Christ, which preserves the faithful in 
purity of heart, puts men into a motion which works 
harmoniously, and in which their example yields clear 
and safe instruction: thus our Redeemer said, "Ye are 
the light of the world." 



376 CONVERSATIONS 

This is the standard which God hath commanded 
to be lifted to the people; and the possibility of this 
standard being now lifted up by us, standeth in that 
of a lowly watchful attention to the leadings of Him 
who is the "light of life;" and if we go from this stan- 
dard, we go into a wilderness of confusion. 

While we keep to this standard, we are content 
with a little; but in the love of money and outward 
greatness, the wants of one person may require as 
much labour to supply them, as would supply ten 
whose wants extend no further than those things 
which our "heavenly Father knoweth that we have 
need of." And where people are entangled with that 
spirit in which men "receive honour one of another, 
and seek not the honour which cometh from God 
only;" in this state, expense ariseth frequently on 
expense, and in the increase of outward substance 
they often find occasion for a greater increase. Thus, 
a man on some new acquaintance with one whose 
living in the world is more specious than his own, 
may feel an inclination to rise up as high as to a level 
with him; and in order to attain this, he may frame 
new devices to increase his estate, and these devices 
may cause "the bread of the needy to fail," though 
his intent was only to get riches to himself. 

Now, as men have a will to be rich; and in that 
will, follow on in the pursuit of devices which work 
against the convenient living of poor lionest people, 
in this course they decrease as to that of being kind 
and tender-hearted, in seeking after the wants of the 
weak and helpless: and in that spirit in which men 
receive honour one from another, their minds are to- 
wards outward power to support themselves in that 
which they possess. 

With gold, men often hire armies, and make great 
preparations for war. Now in raising great armies, 
and supporting them, much labour becomes necessa- 
ry, which otherwise would not be needful; and in the 
long continuation of these things, the yoke lies heavy 
on many poor people. 



ON TRUE HARMONY. 377 

The battles of the warrior are not only " with con- 
fused noise, and garments rolled in blood," but com- 
monly contrived in the craft and subtilty of man's 
wisdom; and if we "trust in man, make flesh our 
arm," and are estranged from that purified state in 
which the mind relieth on God, we are in the way 
towards an increase of confusion; and this state, even 
among much gold and great riches, is less settled and 
quiet, than that of a faithful follower of the lowly 
Jesus, who is content with " those things which our 
heavenly Father knoweth that we have need of." 

In this state we are dead, and our " life is hid with 
Christ in God;" — dead to the love of money; — dead 
to worldly honour, and to that friendship which is at 
enmity with God; and thus He is felt to be our rock 
and our safe habitation. 

In the love of money and outward greatness, the 
mind is perplexed with selfish devices how to keep, — 
how to defend from the crafty designs of the proud 
and envious; and from the desperate attempts of the 
oppressed. 

Now, in the bottom of these devices, there is un- 
quietness. For where gold or treasures are gathered, 
and not in that wisdom which is pure and peaceable, 
the mind in this state is left naked. The robe of God's 
righteousness is a covering, which, to them who are 
sanctified in Christ Jesus, is an abundant recompense 
for the loss of that life, with all its treasures, which 
stood in the wisdom of this world. Under this robe, 
we feel that all things work together for our good; 
that we have no cause to promote, but the cause of 
pure universal love; — and here all our cares centre in 
a humble trust in Him who is omnipotent. 



32 * 



EXTRACTS, 



AND 



REMARKS ON THE SLAVE TRADE. 

AND ON SLAVERY. 






Extracts from a surgeon's manuscript Journal, who went on board a 
vessel from Liverpool to the coast of Guinea. 

"Sestro, December 29th, 1724. No trade to-day; 
though many traders came on board. They inform 
us that the people are gone to war within land, and 
will bring prisoners enough in two or three days: in 
hopes of which, we stay." 

"30th. No trade yet; but our traders came on board 
and informed us, that the people had burnt four towns 
of their enemies: so that to-morrow we expect slaves. 
Yesterday came in a large Londoner." 

" 31st. Fair weather; but no trade yet. We see each 
night, towns burning: but we hear the Sestro men 
are, many of them, killed by the inland negroes; so 
that we fear this war will be unsuccessful." 

"Jan. 2nd. Last night, we saw a prodigious fire 
break out; and this morning we see the town of Ses- 
tro burnt down to the ground. It contained some 
hundred houses: so that we find their enemies are 
too hard for them at present, and our trade spoiled 
here. We therefore weighed anchor, as did likewise 
the other vessels, in order to proceed further down." 

Extracts from a surgeon's manuscript Journal, who went from New 
York to the coast of Guinea, about the year 1746. 

"Being on the coast of Basalia, the commander of 
the vessel, according to custom, sent a present to the 
king; letting him know they wanted a cargo of slaves. 
The king promised to furnish them with slaves, and 



REMARKS AND REFLECTIONS. 379 

set out to war with his enemies; designing also to sur- 
prise some town, and take all the people prisoners. 
Some time after, the king sent them word that he had 
not yet met with the desired success, having been 
twice repulsed in attempting to break up two towns; 
but still hoped to procure a number of slaves for them: 
and, at length, met his enemies in the field, where a 
battle was fought which lasted three days: during 
which time, four thousand five hundred men were 
slain. The person who wrote the account, saw the 
dead bodies as they lay in the field. "Think," says 
he, "what a piteous sight it was, to see widows weep- 
ing over their lost husbands, orphans deploring the 
loss of their fathers," &c. 

In these instances, we may behold how, from a de- 
sire of gain, the white people stir up the negroes to 
push forward most cruel and lamentable wars. Their 
vessels frequently take five or six hundred slaves at 
one freight: and how moving is the subject, if attend- 
ed to with a compassionate heart! 

If we consider them as violently separated from 
their homes, and from all their most intimate acquaint- 
ances, their case appears sorrowful: but to be made 
slaves to a people whose conduct amongst them ap- 
pears cruel, must necessarily fill their minds with 
apprehensions of future distress. 

But further, — even free passengers would meet 
with difficulty on a long voyage, were their numbers 
equal to a freight of slaves: but how much greater is 
the difficulty of these poor sufferers! For, this being 
a scene of violence, the whites, in providing against 
the negroes' rising, tie the men to posts in the hold; 
where they are very poorly accommodated, as to bo- 
dily nourishment. 

People not used to the sea, are often so sick in 
rough weather, that the operation is frequently as 
strong as physic; which, amongst a freight of slaves, 
slightly attended, is likely to make their confinement 
more grievous. 



380 REMARKS AND REFLECTIONS 

Through distress of mind, — through the breathing 
of so many in a close place, and the want of necessary 
accommodations to keep the place sweet and clean, 
mortal distempers frequently break out amongst them. 

In sickness, we have need of help from sympathiz- 
ing friends: but how calamitous is the case of these 
people when sickness thus breaks out amongst them! 

So grievous are these long voyages to the poor 
crowded sufferers, that it is computed no less than ten 
thousand die every year on their passage! 

Those who survive these hardships, and are placed 
under the command of overseers in the American 
plantations, the work assigned them is so painful, — 
the diet so unequal to the labour, and chastisement so 
severe, that it is computed near twenty thousand die 
every year in what is called "the seasoning." 

If we sit by a friend in his last sickness, and behold 
his hard labour under the pains of death, it frequent- 
ly moves to sympathy. But if thirty thousand are 
brought every year to an untimely end, it is not less 
than eighty persons to each day: and should it be our 
lot to behold that number in their last agonies in one 
day, how gloomy would that day appear to us! Yet, 
if they came to their end without violence, or hard 
treatment, and without any provocation to hatred and 
malice, their deaths would be less affecting. 

But if we consider them dying in such numbers, 
day after day, for many years! and that this most af- 
fecting scene is now acting! and that these poor crea- 
tures, under the pains of death, are also under the 
strongest temptations to wrath, — and that their end 
comes through insupportable oppression, — what heart 
can refrain from sorrow at so lamentable a breach in 
the harmony of mankind! 

He that created us, created them; and they also are 
his offspring. And as his gracious regard is toward 
his creatures, he is begetting in many a tender feeling 
for the griefs and distresses of their brethren and sis- 
ters, whose dying groans ascend to him! — And I may 
say, that in sundry afflictions which I have met with, 



ON THE SLAVE TRADE. 3S1 

my mind from time to time hath been brought into a 
tender sympathy with these oppressed people. And 
though it be natural to us to be much more affected 
with an injury committed against ourselves, or our 
children, than we are in beholding the like injury 
committed against strangers, though unoffending and 
helpless; — yet, through the tender mercies of my hea- 
venly Father, I have learned this; that the more we 
are redeemed from selfishness, and brought into that 
love in which there is no respect of persons, the more 
we are prepared to desire and to labour for universal 
harmony amongst our fellow-creatures. 

In regard to those who survive the seasoning; in 
an Account of the European settlements in America, 
printed in London, 1757, the author saith, — "The 
negroes in our colonies endure a slavery more com- 
plete, and attended with far worse circumstances, than 
what any people in their condition suffer in any 
other part of the world, or have suffered in any other 
period of time. Proofs of this are not wanting. The 
prodigious waste which we experience in this unhap- 
py part of our species, is a full and melancholy evi- 
dence of this truth. The island of Barbadoes, the ne- 
groes on which do not amount to eighty thousand, 
notwithstanding all the means which they use to in- 
crease them by propagation, and that the climate is in 
every respect (except that of being more wholesome) 
resembling the climate from which they came; — not- 
withstanding all this, Barbadoes lies under a necessity 
of a yearly recruit of five thousand, to keep up the 
stock, at the number I have mentioned." 

"This prodigious failure, which is at least in the 
same proportion in all our islands, shows demonstra- 
tively that some uncommon and insupportable hard- 
ship lies upon the negroes, which wears them down 
in such a surprising manner." 

It may not be unfruitful, I trust, to meditate awhile 
on this subject. 



382 REMARKS AND REFLECTIONS 

In passing through the pains of death, without any- 
aggravating circumstances, there is, we see, a conflict 
that is very painful: but to be worn out with labour, 
and die with extreme oppression, is a death attended 
with great misery! 

Did we labour in the heat till our weakly natures 
called for rest, — and received, not only a denial at the 
time of those calls, but chastisement for being thought 
dilatory, — with what pain of mind should we reflect 
on this treatment! 

Now, if this were limited to a week, or a month, 
the hopes of a change for the better, might sustain 
our drooping spirits; but where there is no prospect 
but that of continued misery, — the thoughts of in- 
creasing calamities render the condition more de- 
plorable. 

An inward experience of the sanctifying power of 
Christ, — of that faith which works by love to the pu- 
rifying of the heart; — this is felt to be a support under 
affliction, superior to all other. But, alas! what neg- 
lect hath been amongst the professors of Christianity, 
as to hearty sincere labours for the salvation of these 
people! 

Were we wearied already with insupportable la- 
bours, pinched as to the necessaries of life, and, being 
ready to faint under our burdens, were forced by cruel 
whippings to toil with wearied limbs and dejected 
spirits, till nature yielded to prevailing weakness: 

If, under this weakness, instead of proper care and 
attendance, we were reproached with insincerity and a 
feigned sickness; how great, as to the outward, would 
be our calamity! 

If all our friends were not only poor, as to the 
things of this world, and unable to supply us with that 
which might be comfortable, — but slaves like our- 
selves, and liable to distress like ours; — how would 
our groans ascend to that Almighty and gracious Be- 
ing, whose tender mercies are over all his works, and 
who in his own time will be a refuge for the oppressed ! 



ON THE SLAVE TRADE. 383 

Now, if afflictions like these, lie year after year on 
great multitudes of our fellow-creatures who have not 
injured us, and thousands of them pine away and die 
under hardships insupportable to nature, what heart 
can meditate on their condition, without feeling some 
concern for a reformation! 

A particular account of the treatment the slaves 
received in the West Indies, was lately published: 
which, even by those who seek excuses for the trade, 
and endeavour to palliate the cruelty, is allowed to 
be a true, though rather too favourable, representation 
of the usage they receive; being as follows: 

"The iniquity of the slave trade is greatly aggra- 
vated by the inhumanity with which the negroes are 
treated in the plantations; as well with respect to food 
and clothing, as from the unreasonable labour which 
is commonly exacted from them. In Barbadoes and 
some other of the islands, six pints of Indian corn and 
three herrings, are reckoned a full week's allowance 
for a working slave. Their allowance for clothing, 
in the islands, is seldom more than six yards of ozen- 
brigs each year: and in the more northern colonies, 
where the piercing westerly winds are long and sen- 
sibly felt, these poor Africans suffer much for want 
of sufficient clothing; indeed some have none till they 
are able to pay for it by their labour." 

"The time that the negroes work in the West In- 
dies, is from day-break till noon; then again from two 
o'clock till dark. During which time they are attend- 
ed by overseers who severely scourge those who ap- 
pear dilatory; and before they are suffered to go to 
their quarters, they have still something to do, as col- 
lecting of herbage for the horses, gathering fuel for 
the boilers, &c; so that it is often half past twelve, 
before they can get home, when they have scarce 
time to grind and boil their Indian corn. Whereby it 
often happens that they are called again to labour be- 
fore they can satisfy their hunger: and here no delay 
or excuse will avail; for if they are not in the field 



384 REMARKS AND REFLECTIONS 

immediately upon the usual notice, they must expect 
to feel the overseer's lash." 

" In crop-time, which lasts many months, they are 
obliged by turns to work most of the night in the 
boiling house. Thus, from a desire of making the 
greatest gain by the labour of the slaves, they lay 
heavy burdens on them, and yet feed and clothe them 
very sparingly; and some scarce feed or clothe them 
at all: so that the poor creatures are obliged to shift 
for their living in the best manner they can, which 
occasions their being often killed on the neighbour- 
ing lands, stealing potatoes or other food to satisfy 
their hunger. And if they take any thing from the 
plantation they belong to, though under such pressing 
want, they are corrected severely for taking a little 
of what they have so hardly laboured for." 

The sufferings of the blessed Saviour who was given 
as a light to lighten the gentiles, and for salvation to 
the ends of the earth, — hath much attended my mind, 
in writing on this lamentable subject. 

Now, a practice which so powerfully operates 
against the gracious design of his coming, — a practice 
so grievous to many, and so contrary to the harmony 
of the great family of mankind, — a practice so full of 
misery and untimely deaths, having prevailed, and 
continuing to prevail in these provinces and islands, 
loudly calls upon us seriously to lay this matter to 
heart. And to such who are concerned for a reforma- 
tion, the call is, that we take heed and beware, lest 
through the desires of the flesh, we continue so near- 
ly connected in outward interest with the immediate 
authors of those cruelties, as to strengthen their hands 
in oppression, and make them more at ease therein, 
than they would be if their neighbours generally ma- 
nifested a sorrow equal to the case, and a disapproba- 
tion proportionable to such extreme cruelty, attended 
with the unhappy deaths of so many people, equal 
objects of the love and mercy of a gracious Creator. 



ON THE SLAVE TRADE. 385 

The nature of slave-keeping is like that of an abso- 
lute government, where one man (not perfect in wis- 
dom and goodness) gives laws to others; — and the 
evil consequences of this trade has, of late years, been 
so evident, that many sober people appear dissatisfied 
with the practice of slave-keeping; — and yet a con- 
siderable number of these have the charge of negroes. 

Now, as the lamentable sufferings of these people 
have, by several persons under a religious exercise of 
mind, been laid before us of late years, what an ad- 
monition doth it carry with it, to be watchful against 
the snares of a custom so prevalent! That a burden 
so insupportable having lain on them as a people for 
several ages past, and continuing at this day to lie on 
them; — a burden which, if particularly opened, would 
fill many large volumes with matter; with matter not 
less horrible than the sufferings of the christians under 
Nero and other heathen emperors; — while such a bur- 
den is resting on them, how necessary that we do not 
in any way contribute toward the increasing of it! 

And when we make a bargain with them about lib- 
erty, and have power to make it on our own terms, 
may we attend to that pure principle of equity which 
leads to truth and uprightness, and in which our con- 
duct may not only be evidently free from the prin- 
ciples of slave-keeping, but be done in that purity of 
heart which may be acceptable to Him to whom all 
men are equally accountable. 

Who can reflect on the cruelties exercised toward 
the poor slaves in many places, without feeling an 
earnest desire, not only to be clear as to any claim 
standing on a foundation laid in violence, but that we 
may be strengthened to endure every degree of self- 
denial which in the pure Light may be opened to us, 
as one step toward returning, as a nation, from a re- 
volt so grievous! 

Were we, our children and a number of our near- 
est friends, taken by Mahometans, and carried cap- 
tives in chains, as many poor people have been: — 
Were we made to labour so far beyond our strength 
33 



386 REMARKS AND REFLECTIONS 

and the nourishment given us, that under the weight 
of oppression, several of our company died before 
our eyes: suppose those men were so strengthened 
by custom, that none called them to account for the 
death of our friends; — and that, month after month, 
we saw more of our company expire under insupport- 
able hardships, while we were almost overcome: — In 
this lamentable situation, with what sorrow of heart 
should we reflect on the darkness of the minds of 
those who were thus loading us with misery, and 
bringing innocent blood on themselves! 

When we saw that this conduct toward us was not 
the effect of sudden passion; — arose not from hatred 
toward our persons; — but understood that those peo- 
ple, aiming at ways of life requiring much labour, 
had deliberately oppressed, even unto death, many 
before us: 

When we beheld a familiarity, and the appearance 
of friendship subsisting between our oppressors and 
men highly esteemed for their piety; — what disagree- 
able thoughts would arise in us respecting that reli- 
gion in which such lamentable cruelties were thus 
encouraged! and how would the sound of the Ma- 
hometan religion appear like a sound of confusion 
and misery! How would our minds, in this case, be 
turned toward the pure and undefiled religion of Je- 
sus Christ, in which oppression hath no place! How 
should we look, with longing desires, toward a clear, 
impartial judgment! and towards a land where the 
channels of equity were kept open for the benefit of 
all! And alas! how gloomy would outward greatness, 
as the element of our oppression, in that day appear 
to us! 



LETTERS OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 



To his wife. 

Newport, Rhode Island, 14th of 6th month, 1760. 

Dear Wife, — 

I heard not from home after I left you, till two 
days ago I received thy two letters, which were tru- 
ly acceptable to me. 

I hear by William Lightfoot thou hast been poor- 
ly, but at the time of his passing by, was better. — 
Thy not mentioning it in thy letters, I consider as 
intended kindness to me, by forbearing to contribute 
to the increase of my exercise. I feel a tender con- 
cern for thee, as knowing thy condition to be attend- 
ed with difficulty; and find at times a disposition to 
hasten, for thy sake. But such is the weight of the 
work I am engaged in, and such the baptisms with 
which I have been baptized, that I see a necessity for 
all nature to stand silent. I know not that I ever had 
a sharper conflict in spirit, or better understood what 
it was to take up the cross, than of late; the depth of 
which exercise is known only to the Almighty; and 
yet my beloved friend, Samuel Eastburn, hath been 
a true and faithful sympathizer with me. I am hum- 
bly thankful to my gracious Father, who has brought 
my mind in a good degree to be resigned to him. — 
From him my being is derived: my life, from one 
minute to another, is sustained by him. All I have 
are his gifts, and I am endeavouring, though in weak- 
ness, to surrender all to him. 

My care about thee and my child, is much greater 
than any other care, as to the things of this life: but 
my comfort hath all along been, that a greater than I 
is careful for you; to whose gracious protection I re- 
commend you. 



388 LETTERS OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

We have been generally pretty well, and have got 
forward on our journey. There remain about fourteen 
meetings, besides Nantucket, which we have not been 
at. Should we be favoured to get through them, we 
expect to go for Oblong, in York government. My 
love is to all my dear friends. 



To the same. 

Dartmouth, 23d of 6th mo. 1760. 

Dear wipe, — 

I received thy two letters at Newport, and 
how acceptable they were to me, is not easy to ex- 
press. To-morrow, if the wind be fair and way open, 
I expect to sail for Nantucket. We have been at five 
meetings since Yearly Meeting; and I may say by ex- 
perience, the Lord is good: he is a strong hold in the 
day of trouble, and helpeth those who humbly trust 
in him. 

People in these parts are generally favoured with 
health. I have heard very little of the small-pox, since 
I came off Long Island. I am not so hearty and heal- 
thy as I have been sometimes; and yet, through the 
mercy of the Almighty, I am enabled to pursue our 
journey without much difficulty on that account. 

Every year brings additional experience; and I 
think I never more clearly saw the reasonableness 
and fitness of casting all my cares on God, than I have 
since I left thee. I remember thee and my child often, 
with much nearness of affection and tenderness, be- 
lieving you are somewhat lonesome in my absence. 
The most comfortable thoughts I have on the subject 
are, That a good and gracious God governs the uni- 
verse, — who makes all things work for good to them 
that, love him: of which number I trust thou art one. 
I also remember that God is wise; he knows what is 
for the best. He is good, and willing to make us as 
happy as we are capable of being. He is strong, and 
nothing is too hard for him; — that to love him and 
serve him in sincerity, is the best way for us in this 



LETTERS OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 389 

world. He is high, and inhabits eternity, and dwells 
also with them that are poor and of a contrite spirit. 
Trust in him, my dear, and I fear not that thou wilt 
do well. My love is to all my dear friends about 
home. 



To the same. 

8th day of 6th month, 1763, about sunset. 

I am now at Bethlehem, a moravian town in Penn- 
sylvania, and middling well, — in company with John 
Pemberton, William Lightfoot and Benjamin Parvin. 
John expects to go toward home in the morning; 
William and Benjamin to go forward to fort Allen, 
on the frontier; then William expects to return home; 
and as to Benjamin, his mind, at present, seems so 
engaged that he shows no inclination to leave me. — 
I have had some weighty conversation with him, and 
let him know that I am quite free to go alone, if his 
way does not appear clear to him. My Indian com- 
panions appear friendly; and show, I think, quite as 
much regard for me as they did at our first meeting 
in Philadelphia. There is nothing to me appears any 
ways discouraging more than what thou knew of 
when I was with thee. I am humbly thankful to the 
Lord, that my mind is so supported in a trust in him, 
that I go cheerfully on my journey; and at present 
apprehend that I have nothing in my way to fear, but 
a spirit of disobedience; which, I trust, through Di- 
vine help, I may be delivered from. 

That pure Light which enlightens every man 
coming into the world, to me appears now as lovely 
as ever; to the guidance of which, I hope thou and 
I may attend while we live in this world; and then 
all will be well. 

With endeared love to thee and my daughter, and 
my dear friends and neighbours, I conclude^ thy af- 
fectionate husband. 
33* 



390 LETTERS OP JOHN WOOLMAN. 

To a friend. 

Beloved friend, — ■ 

Since our last conversation, I have felt an in- 
crease of brotherly love, and therein a liberty to hint 
further to thee how at different times, for years past, 
things have wrought on my mind, respecting high 
living. 

First. In some afflicting seasons abroad, as I have 
sat in meetings with desires to attend singly on the 
pure gift, I have felt, that amongst my brethren 
grievously entangled in expensive customs, the Lord 
had a work for some to do, by exampling others in 
the simplicity as it is in Christ. 2 Cor. xi. 3. And 
as I have seen that a view to live high hath been a 
stumbling-block, — and that what some appeared to 
aim at was no higher than many of the foremost 
rank in our society lived, — there hath been a labour 
upon me, that in this respect the xoay may be cast 
up, and the stumbling-block taken out of the way 
of the people. Isa. lvii. 14. And here the inexpres- 
sible love of Christ in denying himself and enduring 
grief for our sakes, is often before me as an example 
for us to follow, in denying ourselves of things plea- 
sant to our natural inclination, that we may example 
others in the pure christian life in our age. 

Second. In regard to thieves, I have had many se- 
rious thoughts; and often have been jealous over my- 
self, lest by withholding from a poor man what our 
heavenly Father may intend for him through me, I 
should lay a temptation in his way to steal. And I 
have often felt a care, that no desire for riches, or 
outward greatness, may prompt me to get that in my 
house which may create envy, and increase this diffi- 
culty. 

Third. I have sometimes wrote wills for people, 
when sick and expecting soon to leave their families, 
and who had but little to divide amongst their chil- 
dren; and I have so far felt a brotherly sympathy, 
that their cares have become mine in regard to a com- 



LETTERS OP JOHN WOOLMAN. 391 

fortable living for them: and here, expensive customs 
have often made the prospect less clear. Expensive 
customs, on such occasions, have often affected me 
with sadness. 

Fourth. The manner of taking possession of the 
silver mines, south-westward; — the conduct of the 
conquerors toward the natives; — and the miserable 
toil of many of our fellow-creatures in those mines, — 
have often been the subjects of my thoughts. And 
though I sometimes handle silver and gold as a cur- 
rency, — my so doing is at times attended with pen- 
siveness, and a care that my ears may not be stopped 
against further instruction. 

I often think on the fruitfulness of the soil where 
we live, — the care that hath been taken to agree with 
the former owners, the natives, — and the convenien- 
ces this land affords for our use; — and on the nu- 
merous oppressions that are in many places;— and I 
feel a care that ail my cravings may be rightly bound- 
ed, and that no wandering desires may lead me so to 
strengthen the hands of the ivicked, as to partake 
of their sins. 1 Tim. v. 22. 

Fifth. In conversing at times with some well- 
disposed Friends who have been long pressed with 
poverty, I have thought that some outward help, more 
than I believed myself a steward to communicate, 
might be a blessing to them. And at such times, 
the expenses that might be saved amongst some of 
my brethren, without any real inconvenience to them, 
hath often been brought to my mind; nor have I be- 
lieved myself clear, without speaking at times public- 
ly concerning it. 

Sixth. My mind is often settled on the immuta- 
bility of the Divine Being, and the purity of his judg- 
ments; — and a prospect of outward distress in this 
part of the world, hath been open before me, — and I 
have had to behold the blessedness of a state in which 
the mind is fully subjected to the Divine Teacher, and 
the confusion and perplexity of such who profess the 
Truth, and are not faithful to the leadings of it. Nor 



392 LETTERS OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

have I ever felt pity move more evidently on my 
mind, than I have felt it toward children, who, by 
their education, are led on in unnecessary expenses, 
and exampled in seeking gain in the wisdom of this 
world to support themselves therein. 
9th of 7th month, 1769. 



To a friend. 

My dear friend, — 

In our meeting of ministers and elders, I have 
several times felt the movings of Divine love amongst 
us; and to me there appeared a preparation for pro- 
fitable labours in the meeting; but the time appoint- 
ed for public meetings drawing near, a straitness for 
time hath been felt. And in Yearly Meetings for the 
preservation of good order in the society, when much 
business hath lain before us, and weighty matters re- 
lating to the testimony of Truth have been under con- 
sideration, I have sometimes felt that a care in some 
to get forward soon, hath prevented so weighty and 
deliberate a proceeding as by some hath been de- 
sired. 

Sincere-hearted Friends who are concerned to wait 
for the counsel of Truth, are often made helps to each 
other; and when such from distant parts of our ex- 
tensive Yearly Meeting, have set their houses in or- 
der, and are thus gathered in one place, I believe it is 
the will of our heavenly Father that we, with a single 
eye to the leadings of his holy Spirit, should quietly 
wait on him, without hurrying on the business be- 
fore us. 

As my mind hath been on these things, some diffi- 
culties have arisen in my way. First, there are, thro' 
prevailing custom, many expenses attending our en- 
tertainment in town, which, if the leadings of Truth 
were faithfully followed, might be lessened. 

Many, under an outward show of a delicate life, 
are entangled in the worldly spirit, labouring to sup- 



LETTERS OP JOHN WOOLMAN. 393 

port these expensive customs which they at times 
feel to be a burden. 

These expenses arising from a conformity to the 
spirit of this world, have often lain as a heavy burden 
on my mind, and especially at the time of our solemn 
meetings: and a life truly conformable to the simpli- 
city that is in Christ, wherein we may faithfully serve 
God without distraction, and have no interruption 
from that which is against the Truth, to me hath been 
very desirable. And, my dear friend, as the Lord, in 
infinite mercies, hath called thee and me to labour at 
times in his vineyard, and hath, I believe, sometimes 
appointed to us different offices in his work, our 
opening our experience one to another in the pure 
feeling of charity, may be profitable. 

The great Shepherd of the sheep, T believe, is pre- 
paring some to example the people in a plain simple 
way of living; and I feel a tender care that thou and I 
may abide in that, wherein our light may shine clear, 
and nothing pertaining to us have any tendency to 
strengthen those customs which are distinguishable 
from the Truth as it is in Jesus. 



Ji short Account of Peter Harvey. 

Peter Harvey departed this life in the year 1771. 
He stood as an elder in society for a considerable time; 
and as he increased in years, I believe his experience 
of the sanctifying power of Truth was enlarged. 

In the time of his health, a few months before he 
departed, I had some conversation with him in regard 
to sundry things in his possession relating to his liv- 
ing, which appeared to be conformable to the spirit 
of this world. He appeared to take my visit very 
kind; and though he was not fully settled in his mind 
as to what he should do with them, yet he told me 
that he was inwardly united to a plain way of living, 
and to such who in faithfulness walked therein. 

I was twice with him in his last sickness; and the 
first of these times he told me, that in his youthful 



394 LETTERS OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 

years his mind was much on improvement in outward 
business; and that, being successful, many spoke in 
praise of his conduct: — and in this prosperity he got 
sundry sorts of superfluities in workmanship about 
him. And though he had not seen clearly what to 
do with them; yet he saw that at the time of getting 
those things, he went on in the dark; and they were 
latterly a burden to his mind. 

He appeared in a meek and loving frame of spirit, 
at both times when I saw him; and told me when I 
was last with him, that he had felt a living sense of 
Divine love in his heart many times in this his sick- 
ness, and had tasted of that joy which is the everlast- 
ing portion of those that are sanctified; and that the 
thoughts of death were not terrible to him. 



For John Comfort and wife. 

Dear children, — 

I feel a tender care for you at this time of part- 
ing from you: and under this care, my mind is turned 
toward the pure light of Truth, to which if you take 
diligent heed, I trust you will find inward support 
under all your trials. 

My leaving you under the trying circumstances 
now attending you, is not without close exercise; and 
I feel a living concern, that under these cares of busi- 
ness, and under bodily affliction, your minds may be 
brought to a humble waiting on Him who is the great 
Preserver of his people. Your loving parent. 
28th of 4th month, 1772. 

To his wife. 

London, 13th of 6th mo. 1772. 
Dear wife, — 

Through the mercies of the Lord, I arrived 
safe in London on the 8th of this month. I was mer- 
cifully helped to bear the difficulties of the sea; and 
went straight from the water-side into the Yearly 



LETTERS OF JOHN WOOLMAN. 395 

Meeting of ministers and elders, near half an hour 
after it was settled in the morning: and the meeting 
of business was first opened the same day in the after- 
noon. My heart hath been often melted into contri- 
tion since I left thee, under a sense of Divine goodness 
being extended for my help, and preparing in me a 
subjection to his will. I have been comforted in the 
company of some sincere-hearted Friends. The Year- 
ly Meeting of business ended about three hours ago, 
and I have thoughts of going, in a few days, out of 
this city towards Yorkshire; taking some meetings in 
my way, if strengthened thereto. 

The tender concern which I have many times felt 
for thee and for Mary and John, I may not easily ex- 
press. I have often remembered you with tears; and 
my desires have been, that the Lord who hath been 
my helper through many adversities, may be a father 
to you; and that in his love you may be guided safely 
along. 

Robert Willis, Sarah Morris and companion, Wil- 
liam Hunt and companion, and Samuel Emlen, are 
all here, and middling well. My kind love is to my 
dear friends. 

To Reuben and Margaret Haines, Philad. 

31st of 7th mo. 1772. 

Beloved cousins, — 

I am now at our ancient friend, John Haslam's, 
whose memory is much impaired by the palsy; but 
he appears to be in a meek, quiet state; — about one 
hundred and sixty miles northward of London. My 
journeying hath been through much inward watchful- 
ness. I cannot see far before me; but the Lord, in 
tender mercy, hath been gracious to me; and way 
opens for my visit among Friends. 

I send no letters by post here, nor do I want any 
sent to me by post. 

I feel a care that we humbly follow the pure lead- 
ings of Truth; and then, I trust, all will work for 
good. Your loving cousin. 



396 LETTERS OP JOHN WOOLMAN. 

To the children of Stephen Comfort, of Bucks 
county, Pennsylvania. 

I am now, this 16th of 9th month, 1772, at Robert 
Proud's, in Yorkshire, so well as to continue travel- 
ing, though but slowly. 

Yesterday, as I was walking over a plain on my 
way to this place, I felt a degree of Divine love at- 
tend my mind, and therein an openness toward the 
children of Stephen Comfort, of which I believed I 
should endeavour to inform them. 

My mind was opened to behold the happiness, the 
safety, and the beauty of a life devoted to follow the 
heavenly Shepherd; and a care that the enticements 
of vain young people may not ensnare any of you. 

I cannot form a concern, — but when a concern 
cometh, I endeavour to be obedient. 



Being at York, I wrote the following letter to a 
beloved friend. 

22d day of 9th month, 1772. 
Beloved friend, — 

When I followed the trade of a tailor, I had a 
feeling of that which pleased the proud mind in peo- 
ple; and, growing uneasy, was strengthened to leave 
off that which was superfluous in my trade. 

When I was at thy house, I believe I had a sense 
of the pride of people being gratified in some part of 
the business thou followest; and I feel a concern, in 
pure love, to endeavour thus to inform thee of it. 

Christ, our leader, is worthy of being followed in 
his leadings, at all times. The enemy gets many on 
his side. 

Oh! that we may not be divided between the two, 
but may be wholly on the side of Christ. 

In true love to you all, I remain thy. friend. 



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